Popular Nigerian rapper and singer, Blaqbonez, has expressed deep concerns about the growing use of streaming farms in the Nigerian music industry, warning that the practice has caused what he described as “irreversible damage” to the ecosystem.
In a recent interview, the Chocolate City artiste criticized the manipulation of music charts and streaming numbers, claiming it has distorted the true meritocracy that once existed in the industry.
“Streaming farms have made it difficult to distinguish between genuinely popular songs and those that are artificially boosted,” he said. “It’s discouraging for talented artists who work hard and expect their efforts to be rewarded organically.”
Streaming farms are clandestine operations or software bots used to inflate streaming numbers on digital platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, often helping certain songs chart higher or appear more commercially successful than they truly are.
Blaqbonez stressed that the trend not only undermines real artistry but also weakens the credibility of Nigerian music globally. “When international observers start questioning the legitimacy of our numbers, it affects our growth and partnerships across borders,” he added.
The rapper called on music industry stakeholders, digital service providers, and regulators to act swiftly, urging for the establishment of fair and transparent monitoring systems that prioritize authentic engagement.
Blaqbonez has long been known for his outspoken views on the music scene, and his latest comments have reignited conversations on the ethics of digital promotion and the need for structural reforms in Nigeria’s booming music industry.
