ANALYSIS: Duncan Mighty’s return and the ‘irrelevant’ debate

The Nigerian music space does not have a platform that enables artists to retire or go on a hiatus and have an easy comeback. The moment you are gone, it is goodbye and onto the next one for music lovers. But, Duncan Wene Mighty Okechukwu, a Nigerian singer and music producer made a surprise comeback in 2018 and sustained the momentum in a way that has reignited the love his fans always had for him. Not only has he regained the loyalty of his fans, his return has sparked off huge debates on social media. These debates were so heated that some have tagged it ‘unnecessary’.

The 2011 NEA Awards winner as “Indigenous Artist of the Year” made a fine entrance into the Nigerian music space with his debut album “Koliwater” in 2008. The 22-track album housed some unforgettable bangers like Ijeoma”, “Scatter My Dada”, “Ako Na Uche. While his sophomore album, Ahamefuna (Legacy) which received wider acceptance, had the popular 2010 banger “Obianuju” as its lead single. Other albums released by Wene Mighty are; Footprints (2012), Grace & Talent (2014) and The Certificate (2016).

The UN peace ambassador has had quite a fulfilling career in the Nigerian music space. One thing that made him outstanding was the fact that he didn’t have to depend on the Lagos market to succeed. He reversed the myth. Just when many thought he was done, he ushered in another side of his craft in 2018. Duncan should be commended for his ability to adapt and move with the current trend.

How It All Started

To say Duncan Mighty went into retirement may not actually be correct. The artiste was not entirely quiet in 2016 and 2017: Harrysongs featured him on a track titled “Akagum” in 2016, and released his album “The Certificate” same year. In 2017, Jhybo also featured Duncan Mighty and Small Doctor on a track titled “Coming Thru.” However, in 2018 he made a grand entrance with a track featuring Wizkid; one of Nigeria’s most celebrated artistes. The track dubbed “Fake Love” instantly became a hit and fans’ favourite. It gave music lovers a nostalgic feeling of the Duncan Mighty they fell in love with in 2008.

Following the wide acceptance of the release of his feature with Wizkid, a number of heavyweights in the industry saw it as a window to tap into the hype by also featuring the veteran singer. In June for instance, Aristokrat Records act, Ceeza Milli, featured him on a track titled “Sabi”. He also teamed up with Sensational Nigerian duo, Bracket, to share a new hit titled “Chinelo”. Mavin Records act Reekado Banks also teamed up with him on a track titled “Bio Bio”. Nigerian disc jockey, DJ Xclusive, HKN act, B-Red and just recently, Tiwa Savage, all teamed up with Duncan Mighty to tap into the musician’s prowess to create various hit singles. With the current love he has been receiving, music critics are however waiting for him to drop a solo single to test whether his re-entry into the music ecosystem was worth the hype.

What is most striking about Duncan Mighty’s comeback is the fact that people have attributed his success this year to Wizkid. Of course the argument left a bitter taste in a lot of mouths on social media, especially on Twitter. The ‘distasteful argument’ has coerced many to challenge the singer into releasing a solo track, independent of Wizkid’s influence to lay the argument to rest. Below are some of the arguments and debates going on on Twitter:

“If you like it, believe me. I put it to you that Duncan Mighty was dead and was almost buried until Wizkid became the saviour and resurrected him. Period!,” Your Friend‏ (@Anndelegend) opined.

“Before you join some arguments on Twitter, you gotta reflect. Who are the people involved? What is their frame of reference? If someone said Duncan Mighty just became relevant because of a song in 2018, understand some people don’t see Nigeria beyond Lagos. Don’t stress yourself,” said J.J Omojuwa.

“The disrespect they are putting on Duncan Mighty’s name because of a collabo. Most of you think Lagos music represents the taste of other Nigerians,” said Ayo Tayo (@AOT2)

Infuriated by the comparison, Zeekah Francis‏ (@Zeekahthegreat) said “Don’t you ever disrespect Duncan Mighty by saying Wizkid revived his career, UNA DEY MAD? Have you listened to Duncan Mighty’s voice, abi na hunger dey worry una? Fake Love would have made mad sense, with or without Wizkid. Wetin Wizkid talk for that song sef.”

In an interview with HipTV before the release of their first collaboration this year, Wizkid acknowledged Duncan Mighty’s legendary status, revealing that they have been working on two songs, of which “Fake Love” is one of them. The other track is yet to be released.

But again, is the argument valid? Should Duncan Mighty’s ‘resurrection’ this year be credited to StarBoy, Wizkid? In the meantime, DMW acts, Davido and Peruzzi, have also jumped on the bandwagon of those inline for collaboration with Wene Mighty. But this is the music industry in within this space, nothing is impossible as nobody can be either underestimated or underrated.