Legend or Gag? Sir Shina Peters Declares He Has More Evergreen Hits Than Michael Jackson
Veteran Nigerian juju‑music maestro Sir Shina Peters has set social media ablaze with a bold claim: he says he has four “evergreen” songs to his name, surpassing what the late “King of Pop” Michael Jackson left behind.
The Statement
Speaking on the podcast The Honest Bunch, the 67‑year‑old artist asserted:
“The only thing you can show for showbiz at the end is how many evergreens you have produced. To my credit, I have four evergreens. Even Michael Jackson has just two; ‘Off The Wall’ and ‘Thriller’. So, if I have four, I am accomplished.”
He emphasized that for him, the mark of true success is not chart‑position or awards, but songs that stand the test of time.
Critique of Today’s Music Scene
Beyond the claim, Sir Shina took aim at the current Nigerian music industry, lamenting that his generation’s high standards have been “bastardised” by today’s artists, whom he argues focus more on fleeting trends than timeless quality.
Why This Is Stirring Conversation
Shock factor: Juxtaposing a Nigerian juju‑legend with Michael Jackson invites attention and debate.
Legacy discussion: It sparks fresh discourse around what constitutes a “classic” or “evergreen” song, global sales vs local cultural impact.
Cultural pride / local vs global: Sir Shina’s perspective emphasises Nigerian/African metrics of greatness, not just Western benchmarks.
Industry commentary: His critique resonates with many who feel modern music may lack depth or longevity.
Key Takeaways
Sir Shina Peters defines evergreen songs as those still embraced decades later, not just initial hits.
He declares he has four such songs; he claims Michael Jackson has only two by his measure.
He uses the moment to call for a return to substance in music, beyond the hype of streaming and virality.
Questions Raised
What exactly are the four songs Sir Shina considers “evergreens”?
How do we reconcile local cultural impact with global commercial success? Could Michael Jackson’s legacy, in Sir Shina’s view, be under‑counted because of different definitions?
Will this stir younger Nigerian artists to aim for meaning and longevity rather than just hits?
This kind of statement is primed for virality, sharing, debate, critique, and memories. Whether you agree or roll your eyes, it makes you think: what kind of legacy will music leave, 30 years from now?