Are you unknowingly holding back your music career? Discover 7 signs you’re stalling your progress as an artist and how to break through in Nigeria’s ever-competitive music industry.
Let’s talk like friends for a second, have you ever wondered why your music career feels stuck?
You know you’ve got talent, you may have even dropped a few songs, but something’s just not clicking. You’re not gaining the recognition or momentum you expected, and the numbers aren’t moving the way you hoped.
If this feels familiar, there’s a strong chance that you are the one holding back your own music career.
And don’t worry, you’re not alone.
In Nigeria’s buzzing music scene, the pressure to “blow” is real. Every week, we see artists pop off with one freestyle or one smart promo move. But many others, equally talented, remain stuck because of silent habits or mindsets that keep them from leveling up.
So let’s break down the 7 big signs you might be holding back your career as a Nigerian artist, and how to fix them, starting today.
1. Holding Back by Waiting for the “Perfect” Moment
How long have you been saying “I’ll release that song when I find the right producer,” or “I’m still fine-tuning my sound”?
Be honest, how many months or even years has that track been sitting on your phone?
Real life example:
Tobi recorded five solid tracks in 2022. He kept saying, “Once I get the visuals right, I’ll release.” Meanwhile, his friend dropped a quick studio session clip on TikTok and gained over 10,000 streams in a week.
Why this holds you back:
You’re stuck in perfectionism. And in the music world, done is better than perfect.
Takeaway:
Start dropping your music. Even raw sounds can go viral when the emotion connects. You can always improve, but people can’t discover what you never release.
2. Holding Back Your Unique Sound Out of Fear
You might be that artist who sings alternative soul, conscious rap, or folk-inspired Afrofusion, but because it’s not trending, you keep it hidden.
If you’re hiding your sound to “fit in,” you’re already holding back your career.
Why it matters:
Music is emotional. Fans follow originality, not copycats. If you downplay your art, no one will take it seriously.
Do this instead:
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Embrace your style, even if it’s not mainstream.
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Promote your music confidently.
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Your uniqueness is your competitive edge. Burna Boy didn’t blow by blending in.
In fact, this article by Spotify for Artists shares how finding and embracing your identity as an artist helps you build a loyal fanbase. It’s worth the read if you’re serious about standing out.
3. You’re Holding Back from Collaborating or Asking for Help
We get it — nobody wants to seem needy. But music is not a solo sport. Not asking for features, help, or feedback is one of the most silent ways artists hold themselves back.
Example from Lagos:
Ada, an indie artist, kept her songs private for over a year. She finally sent her demo to a playlist curator on Instagram, and it got featured. Her monthly Spotify listeners tripled in two weeks.
Solution:
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Reach out. Message that producer, choreographer, or YouTuber.
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Collaborate with content creators to amplify your sound.
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Be teachable and open. Ego won’t fill your fanbase.
4. Fear of New Platforms Is Holding Back Your Reach
If you’re still stuck on “Instagram only” or you avoid TikTok because it’s “for Gen Z,” then you’re holding back your audience growth.
Today, your audience is everywhere, you need to be too.
Why this hurts you:
Most viral music trends today start on short-form platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
Nigerian example:
A rapper in Ibadan posted one funny verse challenge on TikTok. It hit 200K views, and influencers started using the sound. He gained 8,000 followers overnight.
Read this Billboard article on how artists are using TikTok to break records and build careers.
Pro Tip:
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Break your song into 15–30 second hooks and create content around them.
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Showcase your personality. Fans want to know the person behind the voice.
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Try skits, stories, reactions, or even “how I wrote this song” videos.
5. Not Investing in Your Music Is You Holding Back Yourself
Look at your spending. If you’re dropping ₦150k at a lounge on Friday night but refusing to pay ₦50k for mixing or ₦30k for a promo post, you’re holding back your own career.
Music isn’t just art, it’s a business.
Reality check:
A singer in Lekki had great songs but used only free YouTube beats and did zero marketing. Meanwhile, his peer paid ₦55k for mixing, ₦100k for playlist pitching, and her streams are now in the tens of thousands.
What to do differently:
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Set a monthly budget, even if it’s small.
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Spend on quality beats, training, and visual assets.
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Value your art enough to treat it like a real investment.
6. You’re Relying on Luck Instead of Strategy
Thinking you’ll just “blow” randomly is one of the most dangerous ways of holding back your progress.
We all want that one viral moment, but guess what, even viral hits need planning.
Real-life example:
Joeboy didn’t just get lucky. Behind “Baby” was a solid digital push, content rollout, and influencer strategy.
Fix this:
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Plan your release calendar.
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Promote before, during, and after the drop.
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Roll out freestyles, teasers, visualisers, and behind-the-scenes clips.
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Engage fans daily, don’t disappear after posting your link.
Read this article to understand strategy better 7 Breakthrough Strategies: Music Industry Success is Within Your Grasp with Smart Positioning!
7. Comparing Yourself Is Secretly Holding You Back
Every time you see another artist post Spotify streams or a cool feature, you start to feel like you’re “not doing enough.” You get discouraged, and that frustration freezes you.
That’s comparison, and it’s silently holding back your energy and creativity.
Don’t forget:
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That artist might have a PR team or label backing.
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You’re seeing the results, not the behind-the-scenes struggles.
Do this instead:
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Track your own progress, weekly streams, new fans, better content.
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Focus on what you can control.
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Use others’ success to get inspired, not discouraged.
How to Stop Holding Back and Move Your Music Career Forward
If you truly want to grow, you must stop holding back, mentally, emotionally, financially, and creatively. Growth starts with showing up, even when the results feel slow.
Try These Artist Growth Habits
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Release consistently, not just when it’s convenient
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Pitch your music to blogs, playlists, and media outlets
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Record your creative process and share it with fans
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Connect with other musicians, creatives, and influencers
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Budget for your career monthly
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Embrace social platforms fully — especially the ones pushing music right now
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Build your personal brand with storytelling and behind-the-scenes content
Holding Back Is Costing You Fans, Growth, and Progress
No matter your genre. Afrobeats, drill, gospel, or soul, one thing is clear:
If you’re still holding back, you’re delaying the success you already have inside of you.
Let go of perfectionism, fear, silence, and comparison. Start showing up, start sharing your sound, and start making real moves.
Ready to stop holding back?
Take one step today, post that freestyle, pitch your EP, message that collaborator. Then send this article to a fellow artist who needs this wake-up call.
We rise by pushing through, not by holding back.
