- Was music journalism something you dreamed about as a child, or did the passion emerge later in life?
Journalism has always been part of me. Yes, you are right, music journalism emerged later. I started off with campus journalism at Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo when I co-founded Arbico Parrot in 2015. Music journalism started in 2020. I want to appreciate Mr. Olaolu Adedayo better known as Ogbeni LA for the financial and moral support at the formative stage of my music journalism.
Long before 2020 when I entered music journalism fully, I was already in the entertainment industry. I presented entertainment shows on radio, managed music artistes and also organized shows, these happened between 2010 till 2019.
- What expectations or goals did you have when you first began writing about music?
The goal was just to document Afrobeats. Document albums, talk about the craft. I got tired of the showbiz centric state of the publication. After complaining for a minute, I had to do the needful and here I am.
- How did you feel when your work was first published by a major blog, newspaper, or media outlet?
I was elated. The publication was made possible by Mr. Taiwo Adebulu of Cable News. Later on, I wrote for Vanguard Newspaper, Legit NG, The Lagos Review, Tribune Newspaper, etc.
- What key challenges have you faced while building your career as a music journalist in Nigeria?
Hates from the music groupies. Meagre remuneration from the media company. It is difficult feeding off music journalism bro.
- Which music critics or journalists, whether Nigerian or international have inspired or influenced your career?
Osagie Alonge, Motolani Alake, Joey Akan and Dami Ajayi. When I started I read a lot of articles from Pulse NG and The Lagos Review. It served as a guide.
- Beyond industry professionals, do you think everyday music listeners value and engage with the opinions of music journalists?
It has changed, these days, the fans listen to the influencers more. The knowledgeable one listens to the music critic.
- How would you describe the evolution and current state of music journalism in Nigeria?
It’s a growing brother, the industry needs more music critics. Right now, I can count the number of writers really doing the job with my fingers. I am not talking about bangers boys, agenda setting influencers, I mean real writing, only a few are doing that.
- How would you characterize the relationship between music journalists and musicians, mostly collaborative, occasionally tense, or a mix of both?
It’s always tense bro. Perhaps, due to personal choices , I don’t have any relationship with any artistes, I mostly talk to their PR agent. When it comes to music criticism, it rarely pans out well.
- Do you have any plans or projects aimed at advancing music journalism in Nigeria or across Africa?
Yes, currently, I mentor budding music journalists in Nigeria and across Africa. Also, I am passionately documenting Afrobeats, even after 1000 album reviews. Fundamentally, one of my aims is to keep the culture, and values. I am working on Afrobeats 1000 best Albums.
- In two sentences, what advice would you give to aspiring music journalists ?
Have an ear for music. Read and write everyday.
Contributor’s Bio:
Emmanuel Daraloye is a seasoned music journalist whose flair for the pen and music reflects a genuine love for preserving its value and culture. He is Africa Most Prolific Freelance Music Critic with works in NotJustOk, TheCable, The Guardian, Vanguard, ModernGhana, and Nigerian Tribune. Having reviewed over 1,000 Afrobeats albums, he continues to document African music while mentoring young talents and balancing his career between Ibadan and Lagos.
In the past year, he has strengthened his place as a leading critic, publishing widely. He has spoken on the decline of Fuji music, suggesting revival strategies, and partnered with the University of Ibadan’s Press Club to create an internship program for budding music critics. His recognition as one of Nigeria’s Top 10 Culture Writers and his leadership of Flem PR, a music PR agency supporting artists with publicity and brand growth, further highlight his influence.
