I write this open letter not out of bitterness, but out of deep concern, patriotic pain, and a desperate need for change. As a veteran Nigerian Afrobeat artist and a proud son of the soil, I must speak plainly and truthfully—not just for myself, but for the thousands of talented creatives across this state who have been repeatedly overlooked, underappreciated, and unjustly neglected.
Neglecting Homegrown Talents: A Dangerous Culture
For over two decades, Oyo State has been negligent toward its own indigenous entertainment talents—musicians, comedians, hypemen, MCs, DJs, dancers, and content creators who live and hustle right here within the state. Talents that could redefine this region’s cultural economy have been consistently ignored, excluded, or buried under political favoritism.
Rather than uplift and invest in Oyo-based creatives, past and present administration and its event planners continue to outsource every significant performance slot, every summit gig, every cultural festival, and even inauguration ceremonies—to Lagos-based entertainers and external contractors who have no emotional or cultural connection to Oyo’s heritage.
Politics Over Performance – When Art Becomes a Game of Favors
It’s unfortunate that everything in Oyo’s entertainment ecosystem has become politicized—from who gets on stage, to who gets a call-up for government-backed events. The handlers of Oyo State entertainment activities have turned the industry into a game of “who you know” rather than “what you bring to the table.”
Real stakeholders, pioneers, and grassroots creators are never consulted. Secret meetings are held, names are handpicked, and deals are sealed without representation from those who have toiled to keep the Oyo entertainment industry breathing—even in its darkest days.
The Harm Caused: A Legacy of Displacement
Constantly ignoring our own have created a dangerous cycle. Our talents are forced to migrate to Lagos or Abuja in search of opportunities. Only after they gain national or international recognition do we then rush to embrace them as "Oyo's very own.” That’s not pride. That’s opportunism—and it’s killing the soul of our entertainment scene.
This neglect has:
Discouraged thousands of youths from pursuing careers in entertainment within Oyo State.
Dismantled local entertainment ecosystems, venues, and platforms that should have been thriving by now.
Blocked tourism and creative investments that would naturally flow if indigenous acts were promoted.
Turned Oyo State into a cultural consumer rather than a producer.
Created unhealthy rivalries and resentment between in-state talents and externally favored artists.
Call to Action: Let Oyo Lead Oyo
It is time to stop this systematic disrespect. The entertainment handlers, cultural commissioners, and event organizers must be called to order. The future of our creative industry depends on inclusive policies, equal representation, and fair distribution of opportunities.
In our next summit, our next cultural festival, our next youth empowerment program—invite Oyo entertainers. Put Oyo MCs on stage. Let Oyo DJs mix the vibes. Let our dancers display the spirit of our soil. Let Oyo comedians carry our laughter.
There must be a creative roundtable with real stakeholders—those of us who have walked this path for decades, not just social media faces or political favorites.
Written by; Olawale Olakolu Aka WALE WAVES
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