Puffy Tee Says Good Songwriting Beats Viral Hype

In today's music industry, a song can become popular overnight. A short TikTok video, Instagram challenge or catchy dance routine can turn an unknown musician into an internet sensation. But according to veteran Nigerian music producer Puffy Tee, going viral is not the same as building a lasting music career.

In an interview with Saturday Beats published by The PUNCH, Puffy Tee warned upcoming artistes against concentrating too much on social media popularity while neglecting originality and songwriting.

The producer, whose real name is Temidayo Joseph, believes that viral songs may lose public attention quickly, but musicians who understand how to write good songs will continue to have opportunities in the industry.

His message is simple: getting attention is important, but having the talent and creativity to keep people listening matters even more.

##Why viral songs do not always last

Social media has changed how people discover and consume music. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube allow songs to reach millions of listeners within a short period.

A catchy chorus, funny dance challenge or popular video can make a song trend across different platforms. However, online popularity can be temporary.

One week, everyone may be using a particular song in their videos. A few weeks later, another track takes over the conversation.

This does not necessarily mean the original song was bad. It simply shows how quickly online trends change.

The challenge for musicians is what happens after the attention disappears. Can listeners still enjoy the song without the dance challenge? Will people search for the artiste's next release? Can the musician build an audience that remains interested beyond one popular track?

These are important questions that every upcoming artiste should consider.

##Good songwriting creates staying power

When people talk about successful musicians, they often focus on streaming numbers, awards, social media followers and sold-out concerts. However, the quality of the music itself remains important.

A well-written song can connect with listeners through its lyrics, melody, message and emotional meaning. People may remember the words years after its release because the song relates to their experiences.

One example is Olu Maintain's Yahoozee, which Puffy Tee contributed to producing. Years after its popularity, the producer recalled an experience in which a man gave him ₦500,000, claiming the song had helped save his parents' marriage.

The story demonstrates how music can create personal connections that go beyond entertainment.

This is the kind of lasting impact that cannot always be measured through views or trending hashtags.

##Puffy Tee's advice to upcoming artistes

Beyond songwriting, Puffy Tee encouraged emerging musicians to develop their abilities and understand the business side of the entertainment industry.

He explained that talent, money and promotion alone cannot guarantee a sustainable career.

He also highlighted the importance of vocal ability, confidence and determination when assessing contestants for the second season of the music reality show Next Afrobeats Star.

His music industry advice is particularly relevant to young musicians who believe social media visibility is the quickest route to success.

Going viral can introduce an artiste to a wider audience, but musicians still need to improve their craft, develop their identity and understand what they want to achieve.

##The bigger picture for Nigerian music

The rise of social media has created more opportunities for upcoming Nigerian musicians to showcase their talents without depending entirely on traditional record labels or radio stations.

However, competition is also increasing. Thousands of songs are released online, and keeping listeners interested requires more than a temporary trend.

For the viral songs Nigeria conversation, Puffy Tee's comments offer an important reminder: popularity and longevity are two different things.

A viral moment can open doors, but creativity, consistency and good songwriting help musicians remain relevant.

Ultimately, the industry needs artistes who can do more than create the next trending sound. It needs musicians who can produce meaningful songs that audiences will continue to enjoy long after the internet has moved on.