I’d rather make honest music than chase trends — Ladé

Singer Ladé, known for her hit song 'Adulthood Na Scam,' emphasizes her commitment to producing authentic music that resonates with listeners over time, rather than pursuing fleeting viral trends. She acknowledges the pressure in the fast-paced music industry to achieve immediate online success but stresses that virality is temporary, while a career is built on consistency and genuine connection.

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For me, the pressure definitely exists because we’re in a time where everything moves so fast, and it’s easy to feel like every song has to go viral. But I have learnt that virality is a moment, while a career is built over time.

"I’d rather focus on making honest music that people can keep coming back to than chase trends all the time," Ladé stated in an interview. She believes that while virality can introduce an artist's work to a wider audience, it is the underlying structure of their career, built on authenticity and community engagement, that ensures long-term success.

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I’d rather focus on making honest music that people can keep coming back to than chase trends all the time. Virality can bring people to one’s music, but it’s the structure one builds around one’s career, the consistency, authenticity and the community one nurtures that gives them a reason to stay.

Ladé extends this philosophy to aspiring artists, advising them not to let viral moments become their sole objective. "Keep sharpening your craft, stay true to yourself and build a career that is designed to last," she urged. Her perspective highlights a focus on artistic integrity and sustainable career development over short-term gains.

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My advice to young artistes like me is to appreciate the viral moments if they come, but don’t let them become your only goal. Keep sharpening your craft, stay true to yourself and build a career that is designed to last.

Reflecting on her own experience with adulthood since releasing her popular song, Ladé described it as an ongoing process of learning and responsibility. Initially viewing it as merely managing finances, she now sees it as a continuous cycle of challenges and growth. "Every stage comes with new responsibilities, new lessons and new versions of yourself," she noted, adding that while adulthood remains overwhelming, she has learned to embrace the journey and celebrate small victories.

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When I wrote ‘Adulthood Anthem’, I thought adulthood was just about paying bills. I didn’t know it was a subscription service that renews every month. Every time you think you’ve figured it out, life sends you an update and says, ‘You have unlocked a new level’.