Producer and singer Pheelz has ignited industry debate after criticising the culture of constant artiste comparisons. He shared his thoughts via X on December 15, drawing mixed reactions from fans.
Pheelz, known for producing major records including Finesse, questioned the growing tendency to pit artistes against one another. He stressed that music should be enjoyed rather than reduced to rivalry. “Music was meant to be enjoyed, not to be compared,” he wrote. “This comparison game is hurting the sound and culture more than we can ever know.”
Many interpreted it as a subtle critique of ongoing rivalries and fan-driven beefs that dominate Afrobeats conversations online. However, fan reactions were divided. Some argued that comparison is unavoidable in entertainment.
One user wrote, “Comparison dey everywhere. There’s no way any entertainment culture will thrive long without comparison.” Another added, “If fans no compare, una no go rate them. The fear of comparison is the beginning of good music.”
Others questioned Pheelz’s position, noting that comparisons have existed for decades. A fan referenced past rivalries, writing, “Before you blew up, comparison has been going on for ages D’banj vs Durella, Terry G vs Malam Spicy.”
As opinions poured in, Pheelz later addressed the discourse, citing personal experience. “I’ve seen comparisons ruin the brightest minds and dim the brightest lights,” he wrote, adding that while it may be the norm, he believes it was never intended to define music culture.
Some supporters echoed his concerns, arguing that comparison distracts listeners from simply enjoying the sound. “People are so corrupt by the act of comparison instead of enjoying the music,” one fan noted.
With over a decade as both producer and artiste, Pheelz rose through the industry as a hit-making producer, credited for defining records such as Ojuelegba by Wizkid and Ye by Burna Boy. He later transitioned into a recording artiste, with songs like Finesse featuring BNXN and Electricity with Davido.
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