Stan Culture in Nigeria: Just Fan Base or Afro-cultism?

Written by Goodness Shittu Damilola.

Is the music scene just Stanship or Afro-cultism? Share your thoughts.

Amongst the words that stemmed from social media trends, "Stan" can never go out of conversations. Originally culled from the popular classic, Stan by Eminem recorded over two decades ago. The rap song narrates the story of an obsessed fan who ends up taking his life and that of his pregnant girlfriend as he drives off a bridge, after a series of declined letters written to Eminem.

Originally used to describe an obsessive and overzealous fan of a music artist, ever since, it has become pop-culture slang, especially on Obasanjo's internet, transcending beyond the music scenes.

"I Stan" and "Pakistan," are often tweeted by fan bases on the streets of Twitter, to show their unwavering loyalty and support for their favorite celebrities and icons.

Of course, the Stan Culture didn't just emanate today. One could say, according to research, that it's been in existence since the invention of music. Popular artistes and music groups have had loyal fan bases and cult-like following with customized names. From Beatlemaniacs for the Beatles to Beyhive for Beyonce, Beliebers for Justin Bieber, Navy for Rihanna, Selenators for Selena Gomez, Swifties for Taylor Swift, Barbz for Nicki Minaj, Directioners for One Direction, and the most popular and dedicated fan base, the A.R.M.Y(Adorable Representative MC for Youth) for BTS, amongst many others. The fan base culture doesn't just revolve around the music industry but also the movie, entertainment, sports, politics, and every other industry one can think of.

Some notable fan bases in Nigeria are Rebel Gang, Outsiders, Cupcakes, Titans, Elites, Obidients, Batified, 30BG, and Wizkid FC(arguably the most popular in Nigeria).

Nigerian Music Industry: Fandom or Afro-cultism?

While it started as nothing but just a fan base upholding their loyalty and undying support to their faves, it has now evolved to obsessed fans actively supporting, promoting, and idolizing the works of their respected celebrities. It has also extended to the aggressive taunting of anyone who slanders their own.

The 2023 released Amazon Prime series, Swarm is a perfect example of a fandom in this 21st century. The story is characterized by a black girl who results in toxicity, violence, and murder due to her obsession with an American pop star, Ni' Jah.

And while this is just fiction, it's vivid evidence of what's happening especially in this part of our world. From rival fans having a face-off on the streets of Twitter, fans giving toxic vibes for any slander against their idols to fans dragging contemporary artistes and even involving their families.

Perfect examples are face-offs between rival fandoms on social media, Wizkid FC Vs 30BG, (constantly at war with each other) Outsiders Vs 30BG, or is it between Obidients and Batified? Or is it the constant jabs of influencers like Daniel Regha? The toxicity between rival fan bases has embroiled feuds among the artistes themselves. We've had artists like M.I. and Vector come at each other, even releasing diss tracks to fuel the war. Even Wizkid and Davido were known to have berated each for quite some time before settling. At a time, Jonzing Records signee, Ruger, and BNXN fka Buju were seen hauling words at each other on social media. And while it wasn't the first time, it always started with the fans.

Credit: Legit.ng

One of the recent face-offs was between one of the Marlian gang, Zinoleesky and Seyi Vibez on social media. The two were seen making videos and calling out each other, and one of them even went as far as releasing a diss track. Although it wasn't clear what prompted their feud, one could closely relate it to their fans.

While some of these so-called wars seemed scripted, it doesn't seem we'll be getting an end to them. And this is mainly because of the fans. Although it's clear that some of these artistes are actually on good terms, and it's just the fans being obsessive, we cannot overemphasize the need for a fandom.

In a very competitive industry where the success of an artiste is also measured by the metrics in charts and streaming platforms, the need for a cult-like following is undisputed. Every artiste desires a loyal fan base with unwavering support to aggressively stream their songs, promote their records, buy tickets and fill out stadiums, and even buy their merch. Up-and-coming artistes are learning the essence of building a cult-like following in marketing themselves. For example, YKB has taken efforts in doing this with his fans called ‘Activ. Ones’, Victony hacked it with ‘Outlaws’, Blaqbonez did a thing with ‘Blaqforce’ and Rema, with ‘Raver’. The list is endless.

Some celebrities create the names themselves, while some of their audience would happily do the honor. In this sense, one cannot disregard the need for stans who are bent on pushing the culture.

But at what length would these stans go when things don't go their way? Is resulting violence or toxicity like cultists the true power of a fan base?

Is the music scene just Stanship or Afro-cultism? Share your thoughts.