Music has always been a mirror to society — from the protest songs of the civil rights era to the poetic lyricism of early hip-hop and soul.
In every generation, some artists used their platforms to challenge injustice, inspire love, or capture the human condition.
However, today’s charts are increasingly dominated by formulaic beats, repetitive hooks, and surface-level themes.
The question arises: Are artists still making music that matters? Evidence suggests that while artistry is not dead, meaningful music has taken a backseat in favor of instant virality and commercial appeal.
Veteran Nigerian musician Bright Chimezie has expressed concern over the lack of lyrical content in music nowadays.
He noted that the present crop of musicians is making great music but lacks lyrical content.
The veteran singer advised his younger colleagues to incorporate rich lyrics into their music. He explained that during his peak, he and his contemporaries made music that stood the test of time.
“Music is more profitable now than my time. The only problem I have with the present crop of artists is their lyrical content. In terms of rhythms and everything else, they are doing quite okay. But what message are they passing to society? Some of the things we [my contemporaries and] sing stick. I remember I did ‘Respect Africa’ in 1984, that’s about 40 years ago. But I can still watch what I did 40 years ago and be proud of my lyrics.
“These days, I ask these boys, ‘The things that are coming out from your mouth, by the time your music stays up to 40 years, can you sit back with your children, see yourself and be proud of yourself?’ So, those are the things. They are doing very well. But I think it is very important for them to add good lyrics to their music.”
Bright Chimezie
In the past, artists like Nina Simone, Bob Dylan, Tupac Shakur, and Lauryn Hill delivered songs with messages that challenged the status quo and encouraged introspection.
Their work wasn’t just about sound — it was about substance. Today, many mainstream songs focus on materialism, superficial relationships, and escapism.
This trend is largely driven by changes in the music industry itself. With the rise of streaming platforms, the industry now rewards volume and replayability over depth.
TikTok has become a primary driver of music virality, encouraging 15-second hooks rather than full-bodied storytelling. Songs are shorter, catchier, and more repetitive — optimized for algorithms, not reflection.
Dilution of Authentic Expression in Music
Artistic vulnerability and social commentary have been diluted by the pressure to “stay relevant.” The commercialization of music has made it harder for truly introspective or politically charged songs to break into mainstream consciousness.
Artists fear alienating audiences or losing sponsorships if they tackle controversial topics.
Moreover, many up-and-coming artists mimic trends that are proven to sell rather than forging their own message-driven path. The result is a musical landscape that often sounds repetitive and lacks emotional or intellectual engagement.
To be clear, not all modern music is devoid of meaning. Artists like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Adele, Billie Eilish, and H.E.R. continue to create music that explores identity, struggle, and societal issues. Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize-winning album ‘DAMN’. It is a recent example of impactful, thought-provoking artistry.
However, these voices are exceptions rather than the norm. They are often outnumbered by performers whose works revolve around club hits, diss tracks, or empty affirmations of wealth and fame.
Part of the blame lies with the audience. The music industry is supply-driven by demand — when listeners stream, download, and promote shallow music, the market responds accordingly. Labels invest in what sells, and unfortunately, that often isn’t the most meaningful music.
The claim that “artists don’t make meaningful music anymore” is not entirely unfounded. While some artists continue to carry the torch of message-driven music, the broader landscape increasingly favors quick hits over quality storytelling.
If music is to remain a tool for transformation and truth, both artists and audiences must resist the lure of convenience and rediscover the power of meaning in sound.
Only then music returns to its rightful place — not just as entertainment, but as enlightenment.
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