Highlife singer Flavor N'abania has publicly criticized his colleague Kcee for alleged intellectual theft.
The clash between the two music stars was on X (formerly Twitter), where Flavor accused Kcee of copying his style and sound.
The drama began when Flavor posted a cryptic message on his X account, writing: “Copia, copy akaria,” which translates to “Copycat, shame on you!”
Copy copy akaria 🤦🏾♂️
– Taste of Africa (@2niteFlavour) October 26, 2024
Despite not mentioning names, fans were quick to speculate that the message was directed at Kcee, who released a new song titled 'Netfliss' in September. Fans have pointed out that Kcee's song, which includes traditional Igbo influences, is similar to Flavour's 2020 hit song 'Doings' featuring Phyno.
These newspaper reviews show that despite the difference in lyrics and release date, the Netfliss song shows notable similarities to the Flavor song in melody, rhythm, progression, and overall structure.
Two days after Flavour's tweet, the 'Limpopo' singer responded with a series of tweets on Monday, responding to the allegations. “BRO!!!!!! We are not on the same level. Choose your battles carefully,” he wrote.
BROTHER!!!!!! We are not at the same level.
Choose your battles carefully.
– BAD MAN KCEE ❤️🕊️ (@iam_kcee) October 28, 2024
In another tweet, Kcee stated that the 'Nwa Baby-Ashawo' hitmaker has no right to control Igbo culture or the Highlife genre or downplay their contributions as they belong to everyone.
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The ‘Ojapiano’ singer said: “Stop trying to control Igbo culture. You are not a custodian. I've been in this game before you; belongs to everyone. You do not own this genre of music. “My music celebrates our heritage and I will not apologize.”
Stop trying to control Igbo culture. You are not a custodian. I've been in this game before you. It belongs to everyone. You do not own this musical genre. My music celebrates our heritage and I will not apologize. In an ocean of things that matter. You are like a needle.
do it right
– BAD MAN KCEE ❤️🕊️ (@iam_kcee) October 28, 2024
musical choice
Kcee later defended her music choices, tweeting, “In an ocean of things that matter, you are like a needle. People recognize authenticity. I will continue to celebrate our culture unapologetically. Spend your energy on success, not on diminishing mine.”
The 45-year-old singer's response did not end there. He expressed his frustration at being criticized for his work, saying: “I've never been the type to go toe-to-toe, but I'm calling this nonsense out because I won't be disrespected. No way… I've come too far for anyone to downplay my sweat and hard work. NO!!!!”
An X user, 21 Nut Savan, added more heat by questioning Kcee's relevance and asking, “When was the last time you had a hit?” Kcee said, “The same day, time and date that your father and mother brought a clumsy (lacking understanding and relevance) like you into this world.”
Exactly the same day, time and date that your father and mother brought a clumsy like you into this world. https://t.co/vcQBbTy3op
– BAD MAN KCEE ❤️🕊️ (@iam_kcee) October 28, 2024
copyright palava
The Nigerian Copyright Act 2023 gives musicians control over their work, protecting its reproduction and distribution while also covering digital rights to prevent online piracy. Supports “fair treatment” for limited, specific uses and strengthens law enforcement to ensure creators receive fair compensation.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time Kcee has faced accusations of intellectual theft. In 2023, his song 'Ojapiano' sparked controversy, with critics claiming that he borrowed heavily from up-and-coming artist Kolaboy in his 'Kolapiano' without proper credit.
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In a separate but related copyright case, Kcee was taken to court in 2021 for alleged infringement of a gospel song, 'Som Too Chukwu', by Jude Nnam. The gospel singer claimed that Kcee incorporated elements of his composition without permission in his album 'Cultural Praise'. However, the Federal High Court in Lagos dismissed a £500 million copyright claim against KCee, ruling that the plaintiff, Nnam, failed to prove his claims. The court awarded KCee and his team £1 million in punitive costs against Nnam.
In December 2023, singer Harrysong called Kcee and asked him to pay seven years of unpaid royalties. He accused Kcee of taking 100% of the profits from his hit songs, such as “Regae Blues” and “Baba for the Girls,” called the situation unfair and described Kcee as a bully for not giving him his fair share. .