“Everything Shouldn’t Be For Cruise” – DJ Neptune Defends May D After Street Performance Mockery Sparks Debate

The Nigerian music industry once again finds itself at the center of online drama after veteran disc jockey, DJ Neptune, weighed in on a trending exchange involving singer May D and an X user who attempted to belittle him for performing at a street event. The conversation, which began as yet another dose of social media banter, quickly spiraled into a heated debate about dignity, hustle, and respect for artists who continue to ply their craft in a constantly evolving and highly competitive entertainment landscape.

It all started when an X user, Dr Fab, shared a clip of May D performing energetically at a community show. Instead of celebrating the artist’s effort and presence, the user decided to mockingly caption the performance as though May D had mistaken the small-scale event for a massive international stage. “For May D mind he dey perform for O2 Arena. Sold out!” the post read, in a tone many interpreted as a jab at the singer’s perceived fall from grace. The tweet, dripping with sarcasm, was intended to draw laughs, but instead it ignited conversations about the way fans and social media users treat entertainers when they are not at the peak of their careers.

The post caught the attention of DJ Neptune, a respected figure in the Nigerian music scene, who wasted no time calling out the behavior. Clearly displeased, the award-winning DJ reminded everyone that music is not just about big stages and glamour but also about genuine hustle, resilience, and passion. He expressed disappointment at how quick people are to ridicule someone who is simply doing honest work to sustain himself and keep his artistry alive. “Sigh! Your fellow man is hustling legally for his daily bread with his God-given talent, and this is what you have to say? Everything shouldn’t be for cruise. E red today, no mean say e no go green tomorrow. SMH,” Neptune wrote in response.

His words struck a chord with many, as fans, industry insiders, and even casual observers began to weigh in on the matter. Some agreed that it was cruel to mock an artist like May D, who once commanded mainstream attention with hits that rocked the Nigerian airwaves, including collaborations with heavyweights like P-Square. They argued that while trends and fame may come and go, the grind never stops for those who are genuinely talented and determined to survive in the industry. Neptune’s statement, “E red today, no mean say e no go green tomorrow,” became particularly highlighted by supporters who felt it captured the essence of perseverance and the unpredictable nature of life and careers.

For May D, the ridicule must have hit particularly hard given his musical history. Once a household name in the Afrobeats wave, the singer rose to prominence with songs like Soundtrack and Ile Ijo, which made him one of the promising stars of the early 2010s. Over the years, however, his shine appeared to dim, and like many other artists, he faced the difficult task of maintaining relevance in an industry that is constantly birthing new talents. While he may not currently be topping charts or headlining global tours, his performances, whether on a big stage or in a street corner, remain a testament to his dedication to music as a craft and as a livelihood.

The incident has now sparked broader conversations about respect for entertainers. Many pointed out that there is a tendency in Nigeria, and indeed globally, to dismiss or ridicule artists once their fame wanes, forgetting the joy and memories their music once brought. Unlike corporate careers, where longevity and experience are often celebrated, the music industry is ruthlessly unforgiving, with only a handful of artists able to sustain peak stardom across decades. For those who fall short of this rare feat, hustling through smaller gigs, community events, or private shows becomes not just an option but a necessity.

DJ Neptune’s defense of May D is therefore being hailed as a needed reminder that entertainment is a legitimate hustle, deserving of the same respect given to other professions. His comments reflect an underlying truth: talent is timeless, even if spotlight is fleeting. Just because an artist is not trending today does not erase the impact of their past contributions or the potential for future resurgence. Many pointed to examples of global stars who experienced career slumps only to bounce back stronger than ever, reinforcing Neptune’s assertion that “today red, tomorrow green.”

The backlash against the mocking X user also highlights the dangers of a digital culture where everything is turned into “cruise.” While humor and banter have become defining features of Nigerian social media spaces, critics argue that there is a thin line between jokes and disrespect. In the race to go viral, people sometimes forget that their targets are real humans with emotions, reputations, and livelihoods on the line. The May D incident is only one of many where public figures have had to endure hurtful jokes masked as harmless fun.

In the aftermath of the exchange, several fans took to social media to express solidarity with May D, praising him for continuing to pursue his passion despite the challenges. Some even dug up old clips of his performances during his prime to remind others of the energy and creativity he once brought to the industry. Others applauded Neptune for using his platform to defend a colleague, arguing that the industry needs more unity and less ridicule if Nigerian music is to continue thriving globally.

May D himself has not publicly responded to the mockery or the defense, but his silence has not stopped the debate from raging on. While some still argue that banter is part of social media culture and should not be taken too seriously, the overwhelming sentiment remains that mocking someone’s hustle is not only unfair but also counterproductive. In a country where economic hardships push many into questionable means of survival, an artist performing to earn an honest living should be celebrated rather than ridiculed.

Ultimately, this incident serves as yet another lesson about empathy, respect, and the power of words in the digital age. As Neptune aptly pointed out, what looks like a small or insignificant gig today could be the stepping stone to a bigger stage tomorrow. The music industry, like life itself, is full of unpredictable turns, and today’s mocked performer could very well be tomorrow’s headline act. By dismissing hardworking artists simply because they are not at their peak, fans risk erasing the human effort behind the music they once enjoyed and still consume.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: May D’s legacy as a talented artist cannot be erased by a few mocking tweets, and Neptune’s defense has reminded many that true respect goes beyond clout and popularity. Whether on the streets or at the O2 Arena, a performer’s craft deserves acknowledgment, and hustling with dignity is never something to laugh at. In a society where “cruise” often overshadows compassion, perhaps it is time to heed DJ Neptune’s call and remember that not everything is meant for banter.