‘Wizkid asked me to record our song, Mary Jane’

Singer Terry G says Wizkid’s legal team has demanded the removal of his song ‘Mary Jane’ (by Terry G) from digital streaming platforms.

‘Mary Jane’, the single that featured singer Wizkid, was recorded several years ago but was officially released in April 2024.

Despite conflicting information online about the release date of ‘Mary Jane’, Terry G clarified during an interview with Afrobeats Podcast hosted by Adesope Olajide that the duo recorded the song in 2016.

The three-minute song, which explores themes of love and obsession with a woman named Mary Jane, has sparked controversy between the two artists, who previously had a good musical relationship.

The duo recorded the song during Wizkid’s early career, when he was less known than Terry G, one of Nigeria’s leading street pop figures.

Terry G gained widespread recognition with hits like ‘Pass Me Your Love’ in the late 2000s, featuring AY.com, before announcing his retirement from music on January 13.

The recent release of ‘Mary Jane’ has surprised Internet users and sparked debates.

Article page with financial support promotion Zero approval

Terry G admitted that he did not get the required clearance from Wizkid’s team before releasing the song, which was recorded years earlier.

The singer explained that he did not seek approval for the release because, at the time, collaborations were based on mutual respect and affection, not formal clearance processes.

“To be honest, this song [‘Mary Jane’] It was recorded years ago. It came to my house in 2016, right inside my studio. I didn’t delete the song I did with him because, in my time, we didn’t delete songs; We make collaborations based on love,” recalled the street pop star.

Terry G shared that his management received an email from Wizkid’s lawyers demanding the song be removed and ordered his team to comply.

“I received an email yesterday and my management contacted me. They didn’t want to tell me so I wouldn’t feel bad. “They said the lawyer sent them a message saying ‘this is what’s going on’ and the lawyer sent them a message.”

When host Adesope mentioned that ‘Mary Jane’ was currently at the top of the most streamed chart on Apple Music, Terry G emphasized the need for “professionalism.”

“I dropped the song and turned it down. I have requested that they tear it down and I am sure they will do so. “The lawyers approached me to remove the song.”

Between 2010 and 2016, Terry G and Wizkid enjoyed separate periods of success, contributing significantly to the Nigerian music scene.

Maestro Akpako began his musical journey in 2006, inspired by his mother, who is a showgirl.

Terry G, known for his energetic performances and unique style, produced several hits and has since released four albums: ‘Free Me’, ‘Ginjah ur Swaggah Season 1’, ‘Terry Gzuz’ and ‘Book of Ginger’.

Songs like “Free Madness” and “Akpako” became anthems, earning him widespread recognition.

Wizkid, on the other hand, rose to international stardom with hits like “Holla at Your Boy”, “Ojuelegba” and “Come Closer”.

His blend of Afrobeats and pop, with high-profile collaborations, cemented his status as one of Africa’s most influential artists.

Big moment

Despite the removal notice, Terry G expressed his continued admiration for Wizkid and recalled the positive memories they shared.

“The memory that I ended up with Wizkid is good; We ended with love and I gave it a high priority.

“He came to my house and we recorded about four songs and I thank him for it. We did a lot and that was one of the best moments for me in this musical game we are playing.”

“The memory that I ended up with Wizkid is good; We ended with love and I gave it a high priority.

“He came to my house and I thanked him. We did a lot, which was one of my best moments in this music game we’re playing.

“Wizkid is the Jay Z of your generation. There is something I like about Wizkid. It’s not about what you have but how you carry it; He has that bearing and inspires a lot, and I would give that to him,” he said.

Terry G also spoke about the evolution of his relationships with other artists, such as Timaya. They had a hit together called “Malonogede”, which stood out during their best years.

He explained why they weren’t that close, saying: “Music changes. Our duo was crazy, but when people come to you, they come for what they want, and when things change, they show why they’re there.

“That’s music for you. You can’t blame anyone for that because it’s a business. We were very close, but not anymore. It is growth and distance. It happens to everyone.”