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 Nico Gravity: A talented artist from Ajegunle's Musical Legacy

Nigeria's music industry has seen an extraordinary rise in global prominence, thanks to the unique sounds of Afrofusion, a genre that blends elements of Afrobeats, R&B, hip-hop, and reggae. Artists like Burna Boy, Mr Eazi, and others have successfully created music that transcends borders, appealing to a global audience. However, one artist who continues to embody the authentic spirit of Nigerian music, particularly from Ajegunle, is Paul Nnamdi Okpara, popularly known as Nico Gravity.

Born on January 18, 1978, for Imo State, Nico Gravity gained widespread recognition with his 2009 hit single, "I Wan Finish Timaya." This song, a playful yet direct critique of fellow Nigerian artist Timaya, propelled Nico into the limelight. But it wasn’t just controversy that made him popular. Nico Gravity's music set off with many for its entertaining yet captivating lyrics, reflective of the raw energy and authenticity that Ajegunle's music has long been known for.

Ajegunle: A Hotbed of Talent and Creativity

Ajegunle, often referred to as "AJ City" or "AJ," is a neighborhood in the heart of Lagos, bordered by Apapa Wharf and Tincan, two of Nigeria's largest sea ports. Historically, Ajegunle has produced some of Nigeria's most influential musicians and athletes, from football legends to A-list entertainers. The name Ajegunle, meaning "A place where riches dwell," holds significant cultural weight in Nigeria, often associated with stories of resilience, grit, and success.

Nico Gravity stands as one of Ajegunle’s shining stars, a confirmation of the region's rich tradition of creativity and musical talent. However, despite the wealth of talent from AJ, one challenge continues to hold its musicians back—a lack of support and collaboration. Nico has spoken candidly about this issue, urging Ajegunle artists and fans to come together and support one another. As he rightly put it, “It will not cost a candle anything to light another candle.” This call for unity reflects Nico's passion not only for his craft but also for the continued survival and growth of Ajegunle's music.

Like many other artists, Nico Gravity’s career has been fraught with challenges, particularly regarding funding and promotion. His breakout hit, "I Wan Finish Timaya," was followed by two other successful tracks in eastern Nigeria. However, his rise to greater prominence was stunted when his record label reneged on its contractual obligations. This left Nico stranded without the financial support necessary to produce new music or promote his brand further.

Nico’s struggle highlights a common problem in the Nigerian music industry, especially for artists from humble beginnings. As he explains, the music industry today is “more push-oriented than song-oriented.” Simply put, success depends heavily on how much an artist can invest in their brand, video production, and promotions. Despite these setbacks, Nico Gravity has remained resilient, working independently to relaunch his career and continue making music. He has also taken to social media, not only to promote his brand but also to advocate for peace and a nonviolent approach in society.

When Nico Gravity released "I Wan Finish Timaya," many fans and critics saw it as a direct attack on Timaya, an established Nigerian artist. However, Nico has clarified that the song was not born out of personal animosity. Instead, it was a playful critique of Timaya's boastful lyrics at the time, which often focused on material wealth and success. Nico felt it necessary to address this trend, not to undermine Timaya, but to caution future artists against following the same path.

In his own words, “The purpose of the song was not to destroy Timaya or exhibit the hatred I have for him. But I wanted to correct an impression so that the future artist would not follow in his footsteps.” Nico has always maintained that his music is about entertainment and sharing a message, not personal attacks. Although the song sparked controversy, it also brought important conversations to the forefront about the role of substance and humility in music.

Despite the challenges, Nico Gravity is not ready to fade into the background. He has been working tirelessly in the studio, creating new songs and performing at various shows across Nigeria. His goal is to relaunch his career in grand style. Nico recognizes that the music industry has changed, becoming more competitive and resource-driven, but he remains optimistic about his future and the future of Ajegunle music.

In addition to his musical endeavors, Nico has been mentoring young artists, helping to nurture the next generation of talent from Ajegunle and beyond. His experience in the industry, combined with his experience, makes him an important figure in the Nigerian music scene—one who has not only contributed to its past but also continues to shape its future.

Nico Gravity's journey is a reflection of the larger challenges faced by artists in Nigeria. While the creativity and enthusiasm for music in Ajegunle remain strong, funding and promotion are often lacking. In today's fast-paced, globally connected world, Nigerian artists, including those from Ajegunle, are showcasing the country's rich musical heritage on the global stage. However, without the necessary financial backing, many artists struggle to sustain their careers.

Nico believes that Ajegunle music can still survive and thrive, but it will require the younger generation to step up and take charge. “We have done our bit. It’s now left for the young ones to continue from where we stopped,” he says. For Nico, the future of Ajegunle music lies in collaboration, unity, and resourcefulness.

Nico Gravity is a true symbol of greatness, passion, and creativity in Nigeria's dynamic music industry. From his humble beginnings in Ajegunle to his rise to fame with "I Wan Finish Timaya," Nico has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his craft, despite the many challenges he has faced. As he prepares to relaunch his career, fans, and industry watchers alike are eager to see what this talented artist will do next.

Ajegunle has always been a place of immense talent, and with artists like Nico Gravity and other great artists leading the charge, its music scene will undoubtedly continue to make waves, both in Nigeria and around the world. Written by Daniel Okonkwo for Profile International Human Rights Advocate.