When Runtown and Alhaji Tekno ruled afrobeat world, they heavy weights, feared for their musical prowess, unmatched in an era we have Wizkid and Davido, to we will roll back the hands of time and they lost their crowns and still get back to the top once again
There was a time in Nigerian music when you couldn’t mention Afrobeats without bringing up Runtown or Alhaji Tekno. From 2016 to 2020, these two artists weren’t just topping the charts; they were cultural icons, going head-to-head with global sensations like Davido and Wizkid, and at times, even stealing the spotlight from them.
Runtown and Alhaji Tekno
Fast forward to 2026, and their names evoke more nostalgia than current relevance. So, what really happened?
How Runtown Went from “Mad Over You” to Courtrooms
Runtown’s rise was nothing short of explosive. His hit “Mad Over You” wasn’t just a track; it became an anthem that transcended borders and captured the hearts of a generation of Afrobeats fans. At his peak, Runtown seemed unstoppable.
Runtown and Alhaji Tekno
But then, things took a turn.
Not long after his ascent, Runtown had a public fallout with Dilly Motors, the CEO of Eric Manny Music Group, over some contract issues. He wanted out of the deal he had signed, which led to a lengthy and complicated court battle.
This legal struggle didn’t just delay his music releases; it also caused him to lose his relevance. While the case dragged on, the music scene evolved rapidly. New artists emerged, sounds changed, and by the time everything was settled in court, Runtown found himself scrambling to reclaim the spotlight he once held so effortlessly.
Tekno: The Hitmaker Life Almost Took Away
Tecno’s journey is a poignant one.
At the height of his career, Tekno wasn’t just creating hits for himself — he was the mastermind behind some of Davido’s biggest tracks, including the worldwide sensation “Fall.” His sound was everywhere, and his impact was impossible to ignore.
Then, disaster struck.
Just when he was riding high, Tekno faced a severe vocal cord injury that landed him in the hospital. Suddenly, he couldn’t sing or record. He vanished from the scene — not by choice, but out of necessity. Runtown and Alhaji Tekno
What made this even more heartbreaking? It happened right around the time he was set to join a major international project with Drake. That golden opportunity slipped through his fingers as Tecno fought to regain his health away from the spotlight.
When he finally made his comeback, the Afrobeats landscape had changed dramatically. New artists had emerged, dominating playlists, stages, and the global scene. Tecno, who once seemed to glide effortlessly, now found himself in a tough battle for relevance and recognition.
Now that we’re in 2026, the focus has shifted. It’s no longer just about talent — that was never in question. The real challenge now is about reinvention. Runtown and Alhaji Tekno
Runtown and Tekno still have their dedicated fans and a rich legacy. What they really need at this point is a solid strategy, consistency, and maybe just one bold move that reminds everyone of their true essence. Runtown and Alhaji Tekno
Afrobeats has room for legends — but only for those ready to adapt and grow. Runtown and Alhaji Tekno
Let’s chat: Do you believe Runtown and Tekno can still find their way back to the top, or is that chapter behind them?
Meanwhile; Olamide Baddoo the ceo of YBNL has said that if Afrobeat superstar OmahLay agrees to with his record label,, he will offer him a blank cheque deal because that will mean him getting the best superstar from Africa
Veteran Nigerian rapper and music executive, Olamide Adedeji, better known as Olamide, has ignited quite the buzz in the Afrobeats scene after announcing that he would hand singer Omah Lay a blank cheque if he ever decides to join YBNL Records. Continue reading here
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