24/07/2026
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Why Benue Artists Should Never Be Ashamed of Singing in Their Mother Tongue
For years, many talented artists from Benue State have been told the same thing:
"If you want to make it in the music industry, stop singing in Tiv, Idoma, Igede, Etulo, or any other indigenous language. Sing only in English."
It sounds like good advice, but it is one of the biggest myths in music.
The truth is simple:
Music has never been about language alone. It has always been about emotion, creativity, originality, quality, and connection.
A great song doesn't need every listener to understand every word. It only needs to make people feel something.
Just look around the world.
Awilo Longomba became an African music legend while singing mostly in Lingala and other Congolese languages. Millions of people danced to his songs without understanding every lyric.
Shakira proudly sings in Spanish and has captivated audiences worldwide. Her language never stopped her from becoming one of the biggest music stars on the planet.
Nigeria has also given us living proof. Burna Boy combines English, Yoruba, and Nigerian Pidgin. Wizkid does the same. Asake proudly promotes Yoruba in his music. Rema blends English, Pidgin, and influences from his Edo heritage. None of these artists abandoned their roots. Instead, they transformed their culture into a global brand.
So why should a Benue artist feel pressured to abandon Tiv, Idoma, Igede, Etulo, or any other indigenous language?
The answer is simple: they shouldn't.
Your language is more than a way of speaking. It carries your culture, your history, your identity, and your unique story. In a music industry where many people sound alike, your originality is your greatest advantage.
This does not mean you should avoid English. In fact, blending English with indigenous languages can help your music reach a wider audience. But there is a big difference between expanding your audience and abandoning your identity.
The real challenge facing many upcoming artists is not language.
It is producing quality music, investing in professional production, developing a strong personal brand, creating consistent promotion, and believing in their own talent.
People don't fall in love with music because they understand every word.
They fall in love with music because they feel something.
Benue State is blessed with rich cultures, beautiful languages, powerful stories, and extraordinary musical talent. These are not weaknessesโthey are strengths that deserve to be shared with the world.
Instead of hiding our identity, we should proudly export it.
Let the world hear Tiv.
Let the world hear Idoma.
Let the world hear Igede.
Let the world hear Etulo.
Let the world discover the beauty that makes Benue unique.
The future belongs to artists who are authenticโnot those who imitate others.
So to every Benue artist reading this:
Be proud of where you come from.
Be proud of your language.
Be proud of your culture.
Create excellent music. Improve your craft. Invest in quality. Promote your work consistently. Dream beyond your community, beyond Nigeria, and beyond Africa.
But never apologize for your roots.
Because the world doesn't need another copy.
It is waiting for the original you.
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