Rock music might only do as good as becoming a flash in the pan

(Endowed Blogs.)
It has been indeed a rocky affair for the rock genre in Nigeria - one of the attention lean underlings of Alternative music.

From transitioning from a place of zero regard from music lovers to becoming a subject of ridicule for critics who would rather focus on its limited potential, the genre might just have hit its greatest momentum this year but where does that lead?

play Johnny Drille

In the year 2017, this category has seen more immersion. A top record label, Mavin Records signed an Alternative artiste, Johnny Drille who is now like a Northern Star leading his contemporaries to a space of better exposure, but some singers still complain of not getting enough media support.

The truth is that most of the musicians doing rock or a related version haven't done so much to elevate the genre. There is a symbiotic relationship between its existence and the artistes who can only begin to feel like stars as soon as they have successfully made what they are selling more attractive to the potential buyers.

By these I refer to the mainstream loyalists especially the ones born between the year 2000 till the present. These set of people never experienced the time when Etcetera stormed the airwaves with his beautiful sound and left. They didn't get to watch the Rooftop MCs serve the country with a half dose of rock before entering into a deep silence.

play Etcetera.
(36NG)

The whole foundation of the genre is too shaky for it to have a firm footing and that is a shame.

Most supporters of rock music lack the strong will to promote the genre they claim to love. Exception to only a few, the artistes also seem clueless in their bids to get exposure.

They should realize that limelight is intensely dim at that part of the cul-de-sac called Alternative music. A farmer with tools should never complain of hunger. They should stop seeking the help of the media and Twitter retweets before making themselves known.

ALSO READ: Rock music event to showcase more exciting bands at 2017 edition

I advise them to do what the character, Mike Ross did in the television series "Suits" - be more aware of the law of the game. Specifically, music! There should be a conscious effort aimed at promoting the genre.

play Rocktoberfest musical concert
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Thanks to the charitable guys from Rock Nation, we now have a shared culture facilitated by their introduction of the Rocktoberfest concert, an annual event that brings together fans and one that open up for discovery music bands and singers.

The platform which now has good number of following has given fame to a few artistes. Some would argue that they already had things going for them before performing at the show but that must have been meagre compared to what they have now.

Activities like that have brought a lot of exposure to these rising stars. One of its regular performers, Nathmac got a nomination in the category of Best Artiste in African Rock at the All Africa Music Awards set to hold later in 2017.