Legendary Nigerian musician Sir Shina Peters recently stirred up conversation when he declared that he has produced more classic albums than the late pop icon Michael Jackson. Speaking on the podcast The Honest Bunch, the Afro-Jùjú pioneer argued that true success in music is measured by the number of evergreen records a musician leaves behind. 

According to Sir Shina Peters, he has four “evergreen” albums to his credit. He contrasted that with Michael Jackson, whose major classics he says are only two: Off the Wall and Thriller. “The only thing you can show for showbiz at the end is how many evergreens you have produced,” he stated. 

The claim comes as part of a broader reflection by Sir Shina Peters on his music career and the present state of the industry. He pointed out that while some modern artists chase instantaneous fame or trending hits, his goal was what he termed timeless records that would still resonate decades later. 

The cultural context behind this bold statement is notable. In Nigeria, and across parts of Africa, a “classic” or “evergreen” song often refers not solely to global sales or chart-records, but to tracks that become part of everyday life — songs played at parties, events, and gatherings over generations. One article notes: “Jackson’s legacy is built on record-breaking sales and international fame. Meanwhile, Sir Shina Peters measures his achievements by cultural impact and longevity within his community.” 

Sir Shina Peters, born Oluwashina Akanbi Peters in Ogun State in 1958, first made waves in the music scene in the 1980s, pioneering the Afro-Jùjú style by fusing traditional Jùjú rhythms with faster beats, electronic keyboards and saxophone.  His breakout album Ace (Afro-Jùjú Series 1) was released in 1989 and is still celebrated among music historians for its impact. 

While many listeners and critics have expressed mixed reactions to the comparison some seeing it as audacious, others appreciative of the regional perspective — the conversation underscores the different ways to evaluate musical legacy. Whether one agrees or not, Sir Shina Peters’ statement highlights how “classics” can mean different things to different audiences, especially when measured outside the global western pop industry.