Seunfunmi Joshua
The recent controversy surrounding TikTok star Peller calling Runtown an “upcoming artist” highlights a deeper issue in how music legacy is perceived today, it’s a glaring symptom of a deeper shift in how music legacy is perceived.
In an era where viral moments dictate relevance, the traditional markers of success are being overshadowed by social media clout. Here’s how this shift is changing the industry:
- Virality Over Longevity
Historically, an artist’s legacy was built over years of consistency, hit records, and cultural influence. Today, a single viral clip can redefine an artist’s standing overnight. Runtown, an artist responsible for timeless hits like Mad Over You and For Life, found himself dismissed simply because his name wasn’t dominating TikTok trends. This dangerous cycle suggests that music contributions are only valued when they are currently in circulation, rather than for their lasting impact.
- Streaming and Social Numbers Now Define Status
Gone are the days when album sales, radio airplay, and critical acclaim determined an artist’s status. Today, social media engagement and streaming metrics dictate who is considered relevant. Younger fans who never witnessed Runtown’s prime may dismiss his influence because their curated social feeds don’t actively promote his music. This highlights how digital algorithms are subtly reshaping the way audiences perceive musical greatness.
- Music History is Being Rewritten by Trends
For Gen Z, platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) serve as primary sources of music discovery. While this democratizes access to music, it also fragments historical context. If a song isn’t part of a trending challenge or remix, it risks being forgotten. Runtown’s music, despite being instrumental in Afrobeats’ global rise, is at risk of being erased from the consciousness of new listeners simply because it isn’t currently dominating their “For You” pages.
- Disrespect for Pioneers is Becoming Normalized
There was a time when industry pioneers were revered. Now, we’re witnessing a shift where artists who have paved the way are easily dismissed if they are not trending. Peller’s comment about Runtown isn’t just an isolated case—it reflects a broader trend of young influencers disregarding industry legends. If someone like Runtown, who helped shape Afrobeats’ modern sound, can be belittled in this way, what does this mean for others who have made significant contributions to music?
- Today’s Stars Could Be Forgotten Tomorrow
The irony in all of this is that today’s biggest influencers and artists may soon find themselves in the same position. The same digital culture that elevates them today may turn its back on them tomorrow. If we continue to prioritize short-term trends over long-term impact, future music icons may be disregarded by newer generations simply because they aren’t viral anymore.
Peller’s Apology and the Larger Conversation
Following the backlash, Peller publicly apologized for his remark, admitting that he was “too young” to have experienced Runtown’s music at its peak. He explained during a livestream with Elizabeth Amoudu:
“When I was listening to Runtown’s music that time, I was too young to even use a phone.”
He pleaded for forgiveness, acknowledging his mistake:
“Peller never come town when Runtown dey Runtown. Please, forgive the poor boy. Let him breathe. God won’t shame us. I’m sorry, my brothers and sisters.”
While his apology may have softened the backlash, it underscores a larger issue: music education and appreciation are declining in the social media era. The fact that a rising influencer like Peller could so easily dismiss an established artist highlights the need for better awareness of music history.
Final Thoughts: Can We Bridge the Gap?
The industry must strike a balance between embracing new digital trends and preserving music history. Social media is a powerful tool for discovery, but it shouldn’t erase the past. Fans, artists, and media platforms must do more to educate audiences on the pioneers who built the culture because if we don’t, true musical impact will continue to be lost to fleeting online trends.
