Fast-rising Nigerian singer, Hamzat Talib Okino, better known as Ta Liebe, has said he is more interested in creating meaningful music than chasing temporary fame in the entertainment industry.
Speaking exclusively with Guardian Life, the singer said his goal is to make music that connects with people and leaves a lasting impact across generations.
“I’m not chasing fleeting fame or temporary clout; I’m chasing impact. For me, music is a sacred vehicle for communication,” he said.
According to him, many artistes in the Nigerian music industry now sound alike because of pressure to follow trends and popular formulas.
“In a landscape heavily saturated with carbon-copy artists and familiar sonic formulas, I strive to bring a refreshing sense of individuality to the table,” he said.
Ta Liebe added that his music is inspired by painful personal experiences, especially the struggle of feeling trapped by circumstances despite believing strongly in his talent.
“The deepest pain has been the agonising feeling of being held back by my environment and immediate circumstances, knowing exactly what I was capable of but being unable to freely chase my dreams,” he stated.
The singer also admitted that there were moments he almost abandoned music completely because progress seemed slow and uncertain.
“To be honest, I carried that heavy feeling with me every single day for the first few years. When you are pouring your soul into something and things just seem like they are going nowhere, moving forward starts to feel completely impossible,” he said.
Speaking on the realities of the Nigerian music industry, Ta Liebe said many upcoming artistes privately struggle with confusion and pressure despite appearances on social media.
“The truth that everyone keeps under wraps is that almost nobody actually has it completely figured out. There is a massive, exhausting culture of posturing and pretending in this industry,” he added.
On his personal sacrifices, the artiste said he had to delay many personal dreams and ambitions while handling family responsibilities and outside expectations.
“The biggest sacrifice was my time and personal autonomy. Delaying your own purpose for the sake of others is a heavy price to pay,” he said.
Ta Liebe further described himself as an introvert, noting that his online personality is different from his real life.
“Online, it looks like I am constantly out there interacting and living the high-energy artist life. The reality is that I am a deep introvert,” he explained.
Looking ahead, the singer said he wants people to remember him as an artiste whose music carried timeless messages and emotional honesty rather than temporary trends.
