Nigerian singer Spyro, known for his hit “Who’s Your Guy,” has opened up about the discrimination he faces in the music industry due to his open Christian faith. In an interview with Echo Room, Spyro revealed that embracing the “Jesus Boy” brand has made him a target, leading to significant criticism and a lack of support from media and industry peers.
Spyro claims his public declaration of faith has created a hostile environment. He points to a stark contrast in media coverage: while other artists receive ample promotion, his work, including his highly successful “Who’s Your Guy” (which he states was the most viewed video in Nigeria in 2023), is often ignored. He questions why even his significant achievements, like his video’s No. 2 ranking in Africa, went largely unacknowledged by major platforms. “If it were one of my colleagues, it’d have been everywhere,” he asserts.
He believes this lack of support is directly linked to his faith. Spyro recounts advice from Banky W, who shared a similar experience: his industry struggles intensified after he publicly declared “Jesus Christ is Lord.” This sentiment is echoed in Spyro’s own experience, suggesting a systemic bias against openly Christian artists. He argues that while other behaviors, like smoking or engaging in other activities, are readily accepted and even celebrated, his faith is met with resistance.
Spyro also highlights the surprising source of some of the harshest criticism: fellow Christians. He expresses disappointment that instead of support, he often faces judgment from within his own religious community.
While acknowledging that some of his past statements might have been misinterpreted, particularly regarding his comments on dancing to his music, Spyro emphasizes that he isn’t claiming to be perfect. He simply wants to live his faith openly. Despite the challenges, Spyro remains committed to his path. He emphasizes that his music continues to resonate with fans, and he encourages emerging artists to be prepared for similar challenges if they choose to express their faith openly in the industry. He concludes by saying he is no longer as affected by the criticism, drawing strength from the knowledge that even Jesus faced similar opposition.
