You call yourself the next big thing, but where’s the work to back it up? This brutally honest article breaks down why most rising Nigerian talents fall short—and what it really takes to become the next big thing.
So You Say You’re the Next Big Thing—But Are You Really?
Nearly everyone today brands themselves as the next big thing. Scroll through Instagram or Twitter and you’ll find bios full of bold declarations: “Afrobeats’ next big thing,” “the future of content,” or “undiscovered global talent.” But consider this—if you removed those words, would your work still speak for itself?
In today’s digital environment, people want to see the evidence behind the claim. This article helps bridge the gap between hype and substance—especially for creatives in Nigeria aiming to turn potential into results.
What It Actually Means to Be the Next Big Thing
Let’s simplify it. Being the “next big thing” means:
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Your work speaks louder than your words.
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People mention your name in conversations you’re not even part of.
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Others mimic your style, format, or strategy—even without realising it.
There’s more to it than trends or buzz. It’s about consistent output, identity, and tangible growth. Look at Ayra Starr—she went from Instagram covers to global stages. Or TG Omori, whose name is now synonymous with high-end music videos. Their titles were earned, not assigned.
Why Calling Yourself the Next Big Thing Doesn’t Automatically Make It So
1. You Haven’t Found Your Unique Voice Yet
If your music, content, or brand sounds like a watered-down version of someone else, people won’t remember you.
Nigerian Context:
Many emerging Afrobeats artists produce tracks that feel like copies of Davido or Omah Lay. When audiences hear the original, they go back to that.
What to Do:
Spend time developing an identity that’s unmistakably yours—whether through sound, visuals, or the way you engage your audience.
2. Your Consistency Is Unreliable
Posting once in a blue moon won’t help you build momentum. One freestyle every six weeks isn’t “grinding”; it’s disappearing.
Nigerian Reality:
If someone like Portable posted infrequently, he’d have disappeared from attention quickly. His relevance is powered by consistent activity.
What to Do:
Follow advice like this article on being “obsessively consistent,” which explains why consistency isn’t optional—it’s essential youtube.com+1instagram.com+1the49thstreet.comjonloomer.com. Building habits and routines around your craft will turn sporadic content efforts into a growth engine.
3. You’re All Talk, No Proof
Claiming “I’m different” means zero if there’s no work to show. What happens when someone Googles you? Do they find unfinished videos or stills? Or do they find proof?
Practical Advice:
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Create a simple portfolio or landing page.
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Document your process, even behind the scenes.
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Complete small, meaningful creative challenges.
Even imperfect but finished work speaks louder than empty promises.
The Next Big Thing Always Delivers—Here’s How to Start
4. You Need to Network with Purpose
Random DM blasts won’t cut it. Intentional networking does—meaningful comments, attendance at events, and supportive engagement.
Local Example:
Shallipopi didn’t rise alone. He strategically aligned with collaborators, rode trends, and remained visible. That built momentum.
What to Do:
Attend workshops, engage in meaningful online conversations, and focus on relationship building.
5. Build Hype, Then Deliver Substance
Hype can spike interest, but without value behind it, people lose interest quickly.
Real Insight:
Some creatives trend once and disappear. Their follow-up content didn’t deliver.
What to Do:
Capitalise on your first buzz. Follow it with strong content, stories, or behind-the-scenes glimpses. People follow journeys, not trends.
6. Study Those Who Already Are the Next Big Thing
You want to be the next big thing? Learn from the actual big thing—not just their music or content, but their strategy.
Nigerian Context:
Don’t just listen to Burna Boy—observe how he plans releases. Don’t just enjoy Tems—study her rollout strategy.
What to Do:
Analyse successful creatives’ release schedules, personas, and public engagement. Their moves offer a blueprint.
7. Stop Posting Without Strategy
There’s a big difference between uploading content and distributing it smartly.
Many creators post freestyle videos without optimising for:
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Platform requirements
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Captions and hooks
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Hashtags and timing
What to Do:
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Use Instagram Reels for bite-sized stories.
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Tap TikTok audio trends for viral potential.
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Explore YouTube Shorts for cross-platform visibility.
Leverage platform features; don’t just upload.
Read this article to understand better Are You Blowing or Just Posting? How to Use Social Media to Actually Promote Your Music
Becoming the Next Big Thing in Nigeria Means Balancing Three Elements
This is the formula:
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Talent — 30%
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Quality content — 30%
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Strategy + consistency — 40%
Even without a big budget, dedication and intent win. You don’t need glamour if you have discipline.
Action Plan: Your Roadmap to Becoming the Next Big Thing
Here’s what I’d tell a friend in Surulere:
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Post weekly—even if it’s just once.
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Stop copying; own your identity.
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Start conversations, not just content.
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Share your creative process.
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Measure your growth monthly.
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Celebrate small wins—and promote them.
Final Thoughts: The Next Big Thing Doesn’t Wait—They Work
Anyone can write “next big thing” in their bio. But few will become it. The real sign is execution.
My challenge: remove the phrase from your bio. Focus on building real work that earns it back.
Be so good they have to notice. Be consistent enough they can’t forget. Be unique enough they can’t replace.
You don’t have to be loud to be heard. Excellence and visibility are enough.
