Veteran Nigerian musician Sir Shina Peters has ignited widespread debate after boldly declaring that his legacy in show business outshines that of the late global pop legend, Michael Jackson. Speaking in an episode of The Honest Bunch podcast earlier this week, the Afro-Jùjú icon made a statement that has since reverberated across the entertainment world.
“The only thing you can show for showbiz at the end of the day is how many evergreens you have produced,” Peters said confidently. “To my credit, I have four evergreens. Even Michael Jackson has just two — Off the Wall and Thriller.”
According to the Nigerian music legend, “evergreens” are songs or albums that remain timeless — pieces of art that transcend generations, language, and geography. He argued that while global fame and record sales are notable, what truly defines an artist’s success is the number of works that stand the test of time.
The comment, however, has divided opinions among music lovers. Shortly after the podcast aired, clips from the interview began circulating on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), where Peters shared a snippet with fans and reiterated his point. The reactions were instant and intense.
Supporters praised his confidence and his immense contribution to Nigeria’s music scene, describing him as one of the true pioneers of modern Afrobeat and Juju fusion. They credited Peters for shaping a genre that inspired countless Nigerian musicians who followed, blending traditional Yoruba percussion with funk, jazz, and electronic influences.
Others, however, dismissed the comparison to Michael Jackson as “preposterous,” arguing that Jackson’s global dominance, record-breaking sales, and cultural impact remain unparalleled. “Michael Jackson changed the sound, look, and economics of global music,” one fan wrote online. “No artist comes close to his influence.”
Still, some commentators urged that Peters’ comments be viewed within a local context. They noted that his remarks might reflect the pride of a veteran artist defending his legacy and reminding fans of his contributions to African music — especially at a time when global music conversations often overlook African pioneers.
Sir Shina Peters first rose to stardom in the late 1980s and early 1990s, during a period of rich musical experimentation in Nigeria. His groundbreaking albums Ace (1989) and Shinamania (1990) introduced a vibrant, electrifying style of Juju music that infused traditional Yoruba rhythms with funk, pop, and synth-driven sound. His live performances, known for their energy and spectacle, redefined stagecraft in Nigeria’s entertainment scene and earned him nationwide acclaim.
By contrast, Michael Jackson’s meteoric rise to global superstardom reshaped the entire music industry. Dubbed the “King of Pop,” Jackson’s Thriller (1982) remains the best-selling album in history, while Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991), and HIStory (1995) further cemented his unmatched influence on global pop culture. His groundbreaking music videos, innovative choreography, and humanitarian efforts set a standard few have matched.
Yet, Peters’ remarks touch on an important question: what truly makes music last forever? Is it global reach, commercial success, or emotional resonance across generations? For many African music historians, “evergreen” songs are those that become cultural touchstones — pieces that define an era and remain part of the collective memory long after trends fade.
In that sense, Peters’ argument reflects a broader debate between global visibility and cultural immortality. While Jackson’s influence is measured in billions of streams and album sales, Peters’ legacy lives in the streets, parties, and hearts of Nigerians who grew up dancing to his music. His songs are not just melodies — they are cultural heritage, passed down from generation to generation.
Music critic Ifeoluwa Adetiba observed that Peters’ statement, while provocative, “opens an essential conversation about how African artists measure success.” She noted that African music industries have historically valued community impact and longevity over short-term commercial metrics. “For someone like Sir Shina Peters, being remembered in every Nigerian household may hold more weight than topping a global chart,” she said.
However, others see the comparison as an overreach. Entertainment journalist Femi Akinpelu commented that, “There’s no denying Sir Shina Peters’ greatness in Juju music, but comparing him directly to Michael Jackson shifts the focus from celebration to controversy. Both men shaped different worlds and spoke to different audiences.”
Despite the mixed reactions, the conversation underscores how global and local legacies are constructed differently. For Peters, whose influence helped shape modern Afrobeats and inspired countless artists, his declaration may not be about competition but recognition — a reminder that African legends also deserve their place in the global narrative of timeless music.
As the online debate continues, one thing remains clear: both Sir Shina Peters and Michael Jackson have left indelible marks on the music world — one as a global pop phenomenon, the other as an African cultural architect whose sound continues to echo across generations.
Perhaps Peters’ words were not meant to dethrone the King of Pop, but to remind the world that “evergreen” music — whether born in Lagos or Los Angeles — transcends borders, languages, and eras. It is not always about who sold more, but about whose songs continue to live in the hearts of people long after the spotlight fades.
Whether one agrees with Sir Shina Peters or not, his bold statement has done what great artists often do — provoke thought, stir emotion, and spark conversations that remind us why music remains one of humanity’s most powerful and enduring legacies.
— Africa Live News
