By Beatrice Akpala.
“THE BIGGER PICTURE IS GLOBAL”: REALPEE AJABA TALKS GROWTH AND 02 ARENA DREAMS.
The Nigerian music industry continues to flourish with an abundance of talent—vocalists, instrumentalists, producers, and dancers—each playing a vital role in shaping the vibrant soundscape that captivates audiences both locally and globally.
Among these rising stars is RealPee Ajaba, a dynamic musical artist from Cross River State, who is steadily carving a niche for himself on the national and international stage. Known for his unique sound and undeniable presence, RealPee Ajaba is gaining recognition as one of Nigeria’s most promising musical exports.
In a candid conversation on the Own Your Story podcast series, RealPee Ajaba opened up about the challenges and triumphs that have shaped his career. He described the Nigerian music industry as intensely competitive, filled with gifted artists all vying for space and recognition. “It’s not an easy road,” he admitted, “but God has been faithful, and that has made all the difference.”
Each day, he said, brings a new set of hurdles—financial constraints, limited promotional support, and the complex dynamics of the industry, but he tackles them with resilience and faith. Hailing from Utugwang, Obudu, RealPee credits his growth to valuable interactions with some of Nigeria’s most respected artists. He acknowledged the encouragement and admiration he’s received from music legend 2Face Idibia, as well as the boost he gained from collaborating with Ruggedman and other notable names in the industry.
However, RealPee also highlighted the subtle resistance he has faced within the industry. “There have been times when my presence at events has made some of my peers uncomfortable,” he revealed. “But that only pushes me to stay true to myself and keep moving forward.”
Lagos, he noted, is a particularly complex terrain due to its socio-cultural dynamics, but he has managed to navigate it and penetrate the mainstream music scene despite the odds. One of his key challenges, he said, is the high cost of collaborations. “A single feature with a top artist requires significant funds, which are often out of reach for emerging acts like myself.”
He expressed disappointment that, despite 2Face’s personal interest in supporting his career, members of the veteran’s management team viewed him as an outsider, an obstacle that hindered a potential breakthrough. Still, he remains optimistic that future opportunities will align more favorably.
RealPee Ajaba is focused on building his own identity, fanbase, and music label-foundations he believes are crucial for long-term success. He writes his own songs and composes original soundtracks, drawing inspiration from everyday experiences and conversations with people from all walks of life.
Promotion, he emphasized, remains a major hurdle. “Even globally renowned artists like Davido and Chris Brown still pay heavily to promote their music on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook,” he noted. “So for up-and-coming artists, the struggle is even more intense.”
To address these challenges, RealPee recently submitted a proposal to the government, seeking support for music promotion and development. He hopes it will lead to meaningful change, not just for himself but for other young creatives striving to make their mark.
As his song Win Case continues to gain traction, RealPee Ajaba remains focused on the bigger picture, one that includes shutting down iconic venues like the O2 Arena with his performances. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “The world hasn’t seen the best of me yet.”
