A heated exchange between highlife singers Flavour N’abania and Kcee has erupted on social media, with Flavour accusing his colleague of copying his musical style and sound in a recent release.
The drama began when Flavour posted a cryptic message on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Copy copy akaria,” which translates to “Copycat, shame on you!” Fans quickly speculated that the message was directed at Kcee, whose September release ‘Netfliss’ bears similarities to Flavour’s 2020 hit ‘Doings’ in melody, rhythm, and structure.
Copy copy akaria 🤦🏾♂️
— Flavour of Africa (@2niteFlavour) October 26, 2024
Kcee fired back, asserting that Flavour has no right to control Igbo culture or the Highlife genre. “Stop trying to gatekeep Igbo culture. You’re not a custodian. I’ve been in this game before you; it belongs to all. You don’t own this genre of music,” he tweeted.
Stop trying to gatekeep Igbo culture. You're not a Custodian.
I've been in this game before you
It belongs to all.
You dont own this genre of music.
My music celebrates our heritage, and I won't apologize.
In an ocean of things that matter. You're like a needle.Get that right
— BAD MAN KCEE ❤️🕊️ (@iam_kcee) October 28, 2024
The ‘Limpopo’ crooner also defended his musical choices, stating, “My music celebrates our heritage, and I won’t apologise. In an ocean of things that matter, you’re like a needle. People recognise authenticity.”
This is not the first time Kcee has faced allegations of intellectual theft. In 2023, his song ‘Ojapiano’ stirred controversy for allegedly borrowing heavily from up-and-coming artiste Kolaboy’s ‘Kolapiano’ without proper acknowledgement. Kcee was also taken to court in 2021 over alleged infringement on a gospel song, ‘Som Too Chukwu’, by Jude Nnam, though the case was ultimately dismissed.
The Nigerian Copyright Act of 2023 protects musicians’ control over their work, covering digital rights and supporting fair compensation for creators.
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