By Ayo Onikoyi

Nigerian singer, songwriter, and voice actor Frankie Walter has said that the future of music belongs to artists who are deliberate about their craft, identity, and long-term vision rather than those chasing fleeting trends.

Walter made this known in an interview with Potpourri, where he reflected on his creative journey, the evolving Nigerian music scene, and the importance of emotional storytelling in building lasting connections with audiences.

According to the soulful artist, his relationship with music began long before he ever considered it a career. Growing up as a preacher’s child, he said music was a constant presence in his home and a powerful tool for expressing emotion.

“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 credited his father as a major influence, describing him as a natural storyteller who expressed his experiences and emotions through music, even without pursuing it professionally.

“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.”

Speaking on the Nigerian music industry, Walter acknowledged its growing global recognition but noted that audiences are increasingly seeking more than just hit records.

“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.”

He added that longevity in music will depend on intentionality rather than virality. “I believe the future holds room for artists who are intentional about craft, identity, and longevity — not just virality,” he said.

Walter’s music, which often explores love, longing, and vulnerability, has resonated deeply with listeners. Songs such as Over You, Ready, Call Me, and his most recent release You have drawn strong emotional responses from audiences.

“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.”