On more than one occasion, artists—creatives in general—have had their crafts shaped by the innermost parts of their personalities. If there is ever a distinct difference between the two, it often emerges after several attempts to separate them. In most cases, especially in the early stages of their journey, an artist’s work is closely tied to who they are. For some creatives, their art is a direct reflection of their identity. Take this writer, for example—if you read a piece about me, you’re reading who I am and what I’ve been through. But that’s not the focus here.
A fundamental truth is that it becomes easier to appreciate an artist’s work when you like the artist. You’re more likely to be patient with their art, willing to dissect it, and even blind to its flaws. This highlights an unspoken advantage of likability—an artist’s personality can be just as crucial to their success as their craft.
Ever heard of the phrase “baby of the industry“? In the music industry, this term can be used for artists whose personalities make them universally adored. When an artist falls into this category, their music—whether exceptional, mediocre, or subpar—gets consumed without hesitation. Their charm becomes an extension of their brand, making it nearly impossible for audiences to reject their work. But what happens when an artist is incredibly talented yet comes off contentious. Let’s take Burna Boy as an example (and no, this isn’t meant to rile anyone up).
Burna Boy is undeniably talented—so much so that he is keenly aware of his own greatness and never fails to remind the world. His confidence is an integral part of his brand, but to some, it reads as arrogance. Yet, despite perceptions of pride, his music remains inescapable. You’ll hear his songs blasting from kiosks, parties, nightclubs, bars, salons—practically everywhere. This raises an important question: Is it possible to separate an artist from their art? With Burna Boy, it seems so. Many people enjoy his music without necessarily adoring him as a person. However, while this separation is possible, it isn’t always easy. Not every artist can afford to have personality flaws and still command widespread admiration for their craft.
The real conversation here should be: Is there a threshold an artist must reach before their art can be separated from them?
Picture an emerging artist attempting to embody an off-putting persona under the belief that talent alone will carry them. In reality, their work would likely be discarded before it even has a chance to be appreciated. When an artist is unknown, audiences are less patient, more critical, and quicker to dismiss their work if they find the personality unappealing. The ability (or inability) to separate art from the artist is a deeply personal and subjective matter. Some people can appreciate an artist’s work while ignoring their controversial traits, while others cannot. For the latter group, an artist’s personality bleeds into their perception of the art itself, making it impossible to enjoy.
A more extreme case is R. Kelly. Before his criminal conviction, he was an R&B icon. However, after his crimes came to light, his music took on an entirely different meaning. His songs, once beloved, became unsettling to consume because they were now seen as expressions of his disturbing reality. In such cases, separating the artist from their art becomes nearly impossible. Similarly, consider 2Baba and his widely loved song “African Queen.” In light of his highly publicized marital issues with Annie Idibia, many listeners now find it difficult to hear the song without recalling the personal drama surrounding the artist. This leaves them with two choices: appreciate the song while disregarding the artist’s personal life or abandon the song entirely because its original sentiment feels disingenuous.
At the core of this discussion is an essential truth: Many artists are their art. To separate them completely often strips the work of its deeper meaning. Art is, after all, an extension of the artist’s experiences, beliefs, and emotions. Trying to consume it without acknowledging the creator can sometimes make the experience feel hollow. That said, art should be critiqued and consumed independently of the artist whenever possible. Liking a song, book, or painting shouldn’t always equate to endorsing the creator. However, this is easier said than done. When an artist’s work is a direct product of their personal life, beliefs, or even their misdeeds, turning a blind eye to who they are as a person becomes difficult.
At the end of the day, this is a highly subjective conversation. Can you truly enjoy an artist’s work while disregarding their personality? Or do you believe an artist and their art are inherently intertwined?
My answer? Whatever yours is.
Written by Nneamaka Nwaokolo.
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