Nkasiobi Chukwu, Mavin’s Head of Marketing, urges Nigerian artists to embrace AI or risk falling behind in the global music industry.
Nigeria’s Music Scene Faces an AI Crossroads
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the global music industry—from AI-generated vocals in the U.S. to predictive hit-making in Scandinavia. Yet, Nigeria, Africa’s music powerhouse, remains hesitant. Nkasiobi Chukwu, Mavin Records’ Head of Marketing and Communications, believes this reluctance could jeopardize Nigeria’s cultural dominance in music.
“One of the shocking things for me is the fact that there are not that many Nigerian artists trying to utilise AI in the space of music,” Chukwu told TechCabal. Despite creating Africa’s first fully AI-assisted Afrobeats album in 2023, he notes that few have followed suit.
The Emotional Barrier to AI Adoption
Chukwu attributes the slow adoption of AI to emotional resistance. “It’s fear. We thought the creative industry was safe—that it couldn’t be replicated. And it was a shocker to find out it could,” he explains. Many Nigerian artists and producers believe AI cannot replicate the emotional depth of traditional music, leading to skepticism.
Global Peers Embrace AI Innovation
While Nigeria hesitates, other African artists are integrating AI into their music:
- South Africa’s Black Coffee uses AI for rhythm mapping and genre fusion.
- Ghana’s M.anifest experiments with AI in songwriting structures.
- Nigerian filmmaker Ope Banwo released Africa’s first AI-generated feature film soundtrack in 2025.
Additionally, platforms like Spotify and Boomplay employ AI-driven recommendation engines, boosting African music’s global reach.
Mavin Records Leads by Example
Mavin Records is proactively integrating AI into its operations. In 2024, Director of A&R Rima Tahini discussed using AI for music production and distribution at Entertainment Week Lagos. Under Universal Music Group, Mavin is positioning itself at the forefront of responsible AI adoption in music.
Here’s What This Means for Nigerians
- Artists: Embracing AI can streamline music production, reduce costs, and open new creative avenues.
- Industry Professionals: Understanding AI tools is crucial for staying competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.
- Fans: AI can enhance music discovery, offering personalized recommendations and diverse content.
The Path Forward
Chukwu emphasizes the need for collective effort and education. “We need more people thinking together, not gimmicky projects or total avoidance,” he says. AI offers opportunities for innovation, identity preservation, and ownership in music. Nigeria must act now to shape its musical future.
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