The first episode of the show Icons or Illusion premiered today with Warri-born rapper Erigga posing the question on what fame is all about.
He insists celebrities aren’t iconic—they’re industry-crafted illusions .
Erigga wrote on X: “Celebrities never were icons… it was an illusion.” He says that talent is not rare, and the industry picks up who is famous.
The rapper argues that talent is a minor factor in the music industry and that the labels and promoters look more at who is manipulable .
His post raised a furious argument.
There are fans who support his opinion as they believe that fame does not necessarily translate to greatness.
Others mention artists who have achieved their status due to talent and hard work.
Erigga knows what he is speaking of being someone who has established a career beyond the usual celebrity bubble.
He has been in the hip-hop scene since 2010 and he recently won the 2025 headies best rap album.
Icons or illusion questions the readers about the need to idolise celebrities. Do icons exist, or are created? Erigga clearly believes we’ve been buying into a constructed myth—and maybe it’s time to question who truly deserves the crown.
