Competency in music isn’t just about having talent; it’s about having real skills and the confidence to use them. When we talk about “competency,” we’re talking about a musician’s ability to truly understand and express music, and it’s the difference between artists who make a mark and those who fade out quickly.
For one, competency is what keeps a musician in the spotlight. Not everyone who gets into music is built to last. Some artists might release a few catchy songs, maybe even get famous for a moment, but if they don’t have the skills or the depth to keep their audience interested, people move on. Competent musicians have that staying power because they know their craft. They don’t just rely on what’s trending at the moment; they bring something real and original, which keeps fans hooked over the long run. They’re able to evolve with the industry while staying true to themselves, which is what makes them stand out.
Another huge part of competency is being able to connect with an audience. Some musicians have a great voice or write amazing songs, but when it’s time to hit the stage, they just can’t bring that same energy. And that’s where live performance really separates the competent musicians from the rest. A great example of this is Asake. When he’s performing, he doesn’t just stand there and sing his songs—he brings a whole experience. He might play drums on stage, call dancers up, or even jump into the crowd and sing right with his fans. He’s so confident and comfortable that he brings the whole crowd along with him, and it’s honestly exciting to watch. Not every artist has that ability, but Asake makes it look effortless because he’s skilled and genuinely loves performing.
Competent musicians are also flexible—they can switch up their style, experiment, and still keep fans engaged. They’re not locked into one sound, and they’re not afraid to try something new. It’s not just a matter of talent; it’s about having the skills to pull off those changes. And because they’re good at what they do, they have the freedom to evolve without losing their audience. We see this in some of the best artists who have long careers—they don’t get stuck doing the same thing over and over. They grow, and their fans get to go on that journey with them. That's why i appreciate the recent album by Rema, he showed he can do more than just love songs and he brought a totally different style of singing that anyone never expected at all.
And at the end of the day, competency brings confidence. When a musician really knows what they’re doing, they don’t have to fake it. Audiences pick up on that confidence, and it makes the experience so much better. There’s something contagious about watching an artist who loves what they’re doing and is good at it—it makes you enjoy the music more because you can tell they’re giving it their all.
So, when we talk about the role of competency in music, it’s not just about technical skills. It’s about having the foundation, the adaptability, and the confidence that makes a musician stand out. Competency is what helps musicians stay relevant, make a real connection, and keep people coming back. For anyone looking to make a real impact in music, it’s that level of skill and dedication that makes all the difference.
image was generated through Meta Ai.