Singer Tekno has stirred fresh argument after saying intellect does not pay the way goofy entertainment does, and that Nigerians have always rewarded the same “mumu” energy now associated with Carter Efe and Peller.
He made the remarks on Yanga FM 89.9 while reacting to the viral phrase “Olodo Uprising.” Tekno said he had not heard the term before the host raised it, then linked it to how audiences have long celebrated entertainers for being unserious rather than brilliant. He argued that people can sit with Carter Efe for hours simply because the content creator is goofy.
“Intellectual content doesn’t work again. What am I going to do with intellect? I can watch Carter Efe for hours and just be laughing at him just being goofy. Because it’s the same way back in the day when you watch Osuofia and Mister Ibu,” Tekno said.
He pointed to Nollywood veterans Nkem Owoh, known as Osuofia, and the late John Okafor, known as Mr Ibu, as proof that the taste is not new. Fans watched them for the foolishness in the characters, he said, not for any display of book knowledge. In his view, the only real change is the platform.
“So this is nothing new. It’s just now you can do the mumu in your own home and get paid and get attention for it. You get deals and endorsement and what not,” he added.
The “Olodo Uprising” phrase itself was popularized by rapper Ycee in June while criticising what he called a shift toward celebrating ignorance online, a comment that pulled Peller, Carter Efe and others into a long argument about fame, certificates and quick cash.