Brymo is known for his versatility, deep lyrics, and creative prowess. From ‘Oleku’ to ‘Ara’, the singer, born Olawale Ashimi, has produced back-to-back hits that have become street anthems.
This surreal creative ability has been Brymo’s selling point for years. In recent times, however, there has been a gradual paradigm shift from the artiste many have known for so long.
Brymo’s outbursts in the past few years are symptomatic of an artiste who feels his talent is not getting the desired recognition.
From bragging about selling more concert tickets than other artistes to branding himself as the “most courted singer” and “Nigeria’s artiste of the decade“; the music star has been consistent in telling the world that he deserves more than he is getting.
However, his actions in the past few months have become a subject of heated debate on social media.
Brymo has been in the news since May last year when he declared his support for Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of next month’s election.
In a democratic country like Nigeria, holding political views that are different from others is not something odd. However, Brymo is going the extreme route.
Since he endorsed Tinubu for president, the songwriter has launched attacks on people rather than focusing on issues and spotlighting the strengths of his preferred candidate.
He has gone tit-for-tat with supporters of candidates of other political parties, particularly Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP).
In August last year, the ‘Heya’ crooner blasted the ‘Obidient’ movement, claiming they are trying to impose the LP presidential candidate on him.
While the controversy trailing his face-off with Obi’s supporters hasn’t settled, the singer went a further step.
This time, he is seemingly waging war against the Igbo community.
The 36-year-old was recently at the receiving end of widespread backlash after he argued that Igbos are not yet ripe for the presidency.
In a follow-up Twitter post, the award-winning singer also made a derogatory remark about the Igbo community.
“F**k The Ndi Igbo!! ..To Hell With It!!”. Well I know many Igbo people … and reality looks awry in them..” he had written.
Mind what you are preaching .. election will come and go,we all will move on …But you decided to be a tribal bigot because you think you are getting some attention by insulting a particular region of Nigeria and some people are praising you. as an artiste I’m only disappointed
— Rudeboy (@rudeboypsquare) January 8, 2023
This prompted further criticisms from many Nigerians, including Paul Okoye, his colleague.
With his growing penchant for attacking fans with dissenting views, Brymo is at risk of ruining the legacy and reputation he has built for himself over the years.
His recent actions — like Okoye described — are typical of an “ethnic bigot”, which is uncharacteristic of a music star, who should be a role model to many.
If you want to support ur candidate,support in Peace!! You don’t need to bring down the entire region!!
We have tolerated this foolishness from other tribe alot and it has to stop!!
Brymo issa bigot— Ma_Queen🛡⭕️🐻 (@Nwaa_Amaka) January 5, 2023
In a conservative country like Nigeria, separating the art from the artiste is almost impossible. It is, however, not surprising that his ingenious personality is fast becoming a subject of ridicule.
That's why Vector and Johnny Drilled are clear. Just good vibes and music promotion all over their social media pages.
Whatever opinions they hold thus remain private, as is their right. I beseech the ancestors not to take these 2 away from me😭🤲🏿🤲🏿
— David Hundeyin (@DavidHundeyin) January 5, 2023
Brymo must realize that politics is not a do-or-die affair. He must also come to terms with the fact that no artiste can succeed without a good fanbase.
His rise to fame has not been without his fans — which include people from the Igbo community.
Elections will come and go but the internet never forgets. His attack against the Igbo community just to promote his support for Tinubu will haunt him for years if he fails to make amend.
No doubt, his outbursts are in response to criticisms from his fans. But two wrongs, they say, don’t make a right. For an artiste of his standing, more is definitely expected.
Brymo must live up to expectations as a model and source of inspiration to many of his fans and colleagues in the music industry.
Signing a petition to stop Brymo the bigot is laughable. Stop overating the failed artiste who turned to bigotry to gain attention and recognitions.
Brymo the bigot has already stopped Brymo, he killed his already dead career with his bigotry.
Chiamaka— Mercy Egbai (@MercyEgbai) January 9, 2023
A stitch in time saves nine. The #StopBrymo trend is a timely reminder of the growing apathy for his brand.
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