Nigerian rapper Emeka Akumefule, popularly known as Blaqbonez, has said that artists should not be judged or defined solely based on streams and chart positions, arguing that such metrics can be easily manipulated.

The Back in Uni crooner made this known while responding to a fan on X (formerly Twitter) who accused him of being hypocritical for celebrating his diss track to Odumodublvck, titled ACL, after it topped the Apple Music Nigeria chart.

Blaqbonez clarified that while he celebrates chart success, his point has always been that charts do not necessarily reflect the true quality or popularity of an artist’s work.

“I never talked down on the charts, it’d always be exciting but no artist should be defined by it. Most of the artists I’m currently listening to in Naija are not up on our charts,” he wrote.

The rapper further noted that the use of bots and fake streams has made chart rankings unreliable indicators of genuine success.

“You guys are quick to label someone a failure depending on numbers that we know can easily be manipulated. Use your ears sometimes — if something is good, it’s good. That’s all I’m saying,” he added.

Blaqbonez has long been vocal about the flaws in Nigeria’s streaming culture, calling for a more authentic appreciation of music based on creativity, message, and impact rather than commercial metrics.