Nigerian singer, songwriter and voice actor Frankie Walter has said the future of music will be defined by artists who are deliberate about their craft, identity and long-term vision, rather than those focused solely on chasing short-lived trends.
Walter made the assertion in an interview with Potpourri, where he reflected on his creative journey, the evolving Nigerian music landscape and the growing importance of emotional storytelling in building lasting connections with audiences.
According to the soulful artist, his bond with music was formed long before he considered it a professional path. Growing up as the son of a preacher, he said music was a constant presence in his home and served as a powerful medium for expressing emotion and personal experiences.
“My journey in music began long before I ever thought of it as a career,” Walter said. “I’m a preacher’s kid, and growing up, music was always present in my life. Singing early on helped me understand emotion and storytelling through sound.”
He identified his father as one of his strongest influences, describing him as a natural storyteller who communicated deeply through music, even without pursuing it as a profession.
“Hearing my dad sing as a child was everything to me — the emotion, the soul, the way he told stories through sound,” he said. “Till today, my dad is a storyteller. Music has always been his language.”
Commenting on the Nigerian music industry, Walter acknowledged its increasing global recognition and expanding influence, but noted that listeners are now demanding more than catchy hooks and viral hits.
“The Nigerian music scene is in a powerful phase of global recognition, and that’s something worth celebrating,” he said. “At the same time, there’s growing space for diversity in sound and storytelling. Beyond hits and trends, audiences are beginning to seek depth and emotional resonance.”
Walter stressed that sustainability in music would be driven by intentional artistry rather than momentary popularity. “I believe the future holds room for artists who are intentional about craft, identity and longevity — not just virality,” he added.
Known for his emotionally rich sound, Walter’s music often explores themes of love, longing and vulnerability. Tracks such as Over You, Ready, Call Me, and his most recent release, You, have drawn strong emotional responses from listeners.
“Those moments remind me that people often respond most strongly to honesty rather than spectacle,” he said. “The resonance comes from familiarity — listeners hearing something that mirrors their own quiet emotions or unspoken experiences.”
As the industry continues to evolve, Walter’s perspective reinforces a growing belief that authenticity, depth and purposeful creativity will play a defining role in shaping the next phase of Nigerian and global music.