Fast-rising Nigerian singer, Salami Kasimu Kelvin, better known as Skelvin, has said talent alone is no longer enough for artistes trying to survive in the Nigerian music industry.
Speaking in an interview with Guardian Life, Skelvin said many talented artistes remain unnoticed because the industry has become highly competitive.
He said musicians now need consistency, strategy, discipline, networking and self-promotion to build a lasting career.
“Talent is important, but in today’s Nigerian music industry, talent alone is not enough. You also need consistency, strategy, discipline, networking, and the ability to market yourself. Many talented artists are unnoticed because the industry is very competitive now. The artists who last usually combine talent with hard work and smart decisions,” he said.
Born on November 16, 1997, in Ihievbe, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, Skelvin was raised in Abuja and is currently based in Lagos State.
He said building his music career without the backing of a record label had not been easy, but giving up was never an option.
“There have been moments when the pressure felt overwhelming, especially as an independent artist without the backing of a record label. But giving up was never really an option for me. Music is something I truly believe in, so even during difficult periods, I kept pushing and finding ways to stay consistent,” he said.
The singer said he had invested his personal time, money and comfort into his music career.
“One of the biggest sacrifices has been investing personal time, money, and comfort into the dream. A lot of things had to be postponed so I could focus on recording, promotion, and building my brand independently. Being an artist sometimes means choosing long-term vision over short-term comfort,” he added.
Skelvin said he had also used TikTok to promote his songs and build visibility.
“So I paved way for myself with consistent TikTok viral posts with my songs,” he said.
He began pursuing music professionally during his time at Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State.
His projects include The Revelation EP, And Been Thru A Lot EP, and The Rendition.
Some of his songs include Only Hope, Cana, One Life, Survival and Alubarika.
He has also worked with Corizo, Erigga, Rybeena, Magnito, Jaywilz, Smur Lee, Hotkid and Chella.
Skelvin said he hoped to work with Zinoleesky, Omah Lay and other top Nigerian artistes as he continues to grow his audience.
