Nigerian singer Raheem, son of billionaire industrialist Razaq Okoya, has announced his decision to stop releasing new music.
The 23-year-old artiste, professionally known as Sir Raheem, made the announcement in a lengthy Instagram post on Wednesday, reflecting on his musical journey and explaining that his growing responsibilities had made it increasingly difficult for him to dedicate the time and effort he believes his music deserves.
‘My musical journey has been magical’
Raheem described his time in the music industry as a memorable experience, saying what started as a hobby with friends eventually developed into a professional career that earned him opportunities to perform at major events and receive recognition from artistes he admired.
“Over the past couple of years, my musical journey has truly been a magical one; we’ve shut down the internet again and again, performed at the craziest live shows, lived through nights I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. I never imagined I’d one day be recognised by the very artists I grew up admiring,” he wrote.
He expressed appreciation to his fans, colleagues and supporters, crediting them for making his musical journey worthwhile.
According to him, music initially served as a way for him and his friends to bond and connect before it evolved into a serious professional pursuit.
Balancing music with other commitments
The singer said the demands of his other responsibilities had made it increasingly difficult to maintain the level of commitment required to sustain his music career.
“Over the past year, holding that alongside my other commitments has grown harder. I’ve always believed in giving everything my best, and I no longer feel I can give this craft the effort, patience, and dedication it truly deserves,” he said.
Raheem explained that he therefore decided to make what he described as a professional exit from the industry rather than continue releasing music without being able to give it his full attention.
“So I owe it to my true fans, and to my colleagues in this industry, a professional exit. I have decided to stop putting out new music,” he added.
Leaves door open for unreleased music
Although he is stepping away from releasing new music, Raheem indicated that his relationship with music may not be completely over.
He said music remains therapeutic for him and hinted that an album he has been working on could still be released in the future.
“The best of me is yet to come. Music still remains therapeutic for me. With time, maybe the album finds its way into the world somehow after all,” he wrote.
Raheem said he believes he has produced some of the best material of his career over the past year and would regret never sharing it with his audience.
“This past year, we’ve been locked in, and I believe I’m sitting on the best material of my career; it will be a shame to never share it,” he added.
Focus shifts to family business and other ventures
Raheem currently serves as the executive director of Eleganza Industrial City Limited, a company owned by his father, Razaq Okoya.
Earlier this year, he disclosed that he had been learning from and shadowing his father since he was 13, as part of preparations for his eventual responsibilities within the family business.
His decision to stop releasing new music therefore signals a shift in focus as he moves towards his professional responsibilities while keeping the door open to other creative pursuits.
For now, Raheem appears set to prioritise his business commitments and explore other creative ventures, even as he leaves open the possibility that his unreleased music could eventually reach his fans.
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