Veteran Nigerian singer Chinagorom Onuoha, popularly known as African China, has observed that fans are often more drawn to the drama and tension between artistes than to the music itself. In a recent interview with Sunday Scoop, the singer shared his thoughts on how rivalry has become a major part of entertainment culture in the industry.
African China noted that positive milestones rarely generate the same level of excitement as conflicts.
“Fans just enjoy it. When they hear you bought a new car or a big house, they just go like, ‘okay.’ But when they hear something like your husband left you, everybody reacts for a long time.”
He pointed out that social media has made this fascination even stronger, turning ordinary fans into active participants in celebrity disputes.
“You see online in-laws, online lawyers, online judges. Everybody just wants to be involved. Everybody is chasing the crowd.”
While reacting to recent tensions between Burna Boy and Wizkid’s DJ, African China called for greater restraint among those with influence. At the same time, he acknowledged that rivalry, even when unhealthy, has a way of shining the spotlight on the work itself and keeping conversations alive.
The veteran artiste’s comments come at a time when online feuds and subtle jabs between musicians continue to dominate headlines and timelines. Many fans have admitted that the back-and-forth adds an extra layer of entertainment, turning music releases into events that feel more personal and competitive.
African China’s long career in the industry has given him a front-row view of how these dynamics play out. From his early days as a street-hop pioneer to his current status as a respected voice, he has seen how rivalries can both boost visibility and create unnecessary pressure. His message encourages a more mature approach while recognising why fans remain hooked on the drama.