Afrobeats star Joeboy says ego hampers Nigerian collaborations

Nigerian Afrobeats vocalist Joeboy warned that inflated egos are hampering genuine collaboration among artists in the country. In an interview with Cool FM Lagos, the singer – accompanied by fellow musician Wizkid Chan – said many performers now approach features with a competitive mindset, seeking to eclipse their partners rather than complement them.

Joeboy explained that he prefers to work with artists he knows personally and gets along with, because “there is no ego or inner competition.” He added that when he invites someone onto a track, his expectation is for the guest to outshine him: “That is why I featured you. So I don’t get the competition.” The sentiment underscores a shift from cooperative creativity to a contest of who can dominate a single song.

Wizkid Chan echoed the sentiment, describing ego as the primary obstacle to productive teamwork. He said he never interferes with a collaborator’s performance and expects the same courtesy in return. “Some artists request a feature and then try to tell you how to do your part. That is wrong – let me do my thing,” he told the host.

According to Chan, the purpose of a feature is to bring a fresh element to a track that the primary artist cannot provide. “The reason I would feature anybody is because I cannot do what they are doing. I cannot ask them to sound like me or adopt my style,” he explained. He cautioned against the temptation to rewrite verses after hearing a collaborator’s contribution, noting that doing so turns a partnership into a rivalry.

Both artists emphasized that collaboration should enrich a song, not become a battle for personal glory. Their remarks arrive amid a broader conversation about the sustainability of Nigeria’s booming Afrobeats industry, which increasingly relies on cross‑artist features to capture global audiences. If egos continue to dominate studio sessions, the genre risks losing the synergy that has propelled it to international acclaim.

Industry observers suggest that fostering mutual respect and clear communication could restore the collaborative spirit that underpins many hit records. As the Nigerian music scene evolves, artists like Joeboy and Wizkid Chan are calling for a return to partnership‑focused creation, hoping to keep Afrobeats vibrant and innovative for both local fans and the world stage.