Around the world “Stan” culture has become quite popular, finding its way to almost every corner of the globe. The word is derived from an Eminem’s hit song in the year 2000 “Stan”, which was about an overzealous fan. Stan culture is highly entertaining but it is as infectious as it is rabid. It can be obtrusive and, in some cases, slightly disturbing.
In the Nigerian music industry, it is no different. Being a Stan is much more than supporting your favorite artist’s music, it’s about being absorbed by their life, social media and everything they do, with near zombie-like fandom and support.
Globally, artists who have been able to connect with their fans on a supreme level, superseding their fellow professionals without a shadow of doubt most likely have stans.
From the BTS army, Frank Oceans dedicated base, the Beyhive, to Rihanna’s Navy all support their favorite artists in an almost occult manner. Adoring their every move and inexplicably tearing down anyone who would dare criticize their Demi-god.
In Nigeria, a couple of artists have successfully carved out a market in the African music scene, but fewer can boast of an ever-dedicated base. Fans who would go to any length for them. Well, except Wizkid, Olamide, Burna boy, Davido or more recently…Naira Marley. These artists can confidently sell out shows and records in Nigeria without breaking a sweat. That is the kind of firepower they have amassed over their individual peculiar careers. This bond between an artist and their fan base is usually created by a strong personal connection. These fans are either drawn to the artist’s music or lifestyle; sometimes a perfect mixture of both.
Stan culture does have a devastatingly ugly side. Ranging from fights on social media, typically infused with slurs and occasional bigotry, dozens of reports physical fights between opposing fans. Stan culture in general can get dark in some extreme cases. More recently, there has been an influx of rigged polls on social media, with stans blindly supporting their favorite artist against the truth and common sense on several occasions.
However, the positive impact of Stan culture on rising artists in the African industry is undeniable. Fast rising star Buju was able to secure a feature from Zlatan with tremendous help from his followers on twitter. Consequently, that same single catapulted him to limelight and eventually a record deal with Burna boy’s “Spaceship Collective”. Tsuni’s fans garnered enough of a buzz on social media to pull Tiwa Savage’s attention, she performed as an opening act at a show for Tiwa. Stan culture might not always be ideal for the industry but it does have a few positives and is undoubtedly is here to stay.
