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Davido reacts as producer Napji calls him out over unpaid royalties
Tensions between Afrobeats sensation Davido and record producer Napji have reached a boiling point as Napji asserts his claim to producing Davido’s hit track “Fem,” sparking a public feud between the two.
The conflict unfolded on social media platforms, with Napji taking to the virtual stage to assert his rights to outstanding royalties and publishing credits for three of Davido’s songs.
Napji, attributing himself as the mastermind behind “Fem,” “Jowo,” and “Sunlight,” disclosed that he had received an advance payment of 500,000 naira (approximately $1,150 USD) for each track. Notably, all three songs are featured on Davido’s acclaimed album, “A Better Time.”
In a bold move, Napji hinted at the possibility of divulging further details as he pursued the rightful collection of his dues in royalties and publishing rights, intensifying the rift between him and Davido.
Napji said, “I am Napji, producer behind Fem, Jowo, and Sunlight on @davido album (A better time). Which was released 13th November 2020. I was paid an advance of 500 thousand naira for each of the songs. I will be releasing more information as I seek to collect my royalties & publishing“.
Davido swiftly responded to the controversy with a terse and dismissive tweet, simply stating, “Ur papa” (a vulgar Yoruba phrase roughly meaning “your father”). This curt reply has sparked criticism for its lack of professionalism and has stirred mixed reactions among fans, further fueling the ongoing debate surrounding the dispute.
Ur papa https://t.co/8C1VyzXbRO
— Davido (@davido) April 23, 2024
The fanbase is divided over the issue, with some rallying behind Napji, advocating for fair compensation for collaborators in the music industry. They argue that artists should uphold their responsibility to ensure equitable treatment of those involved in the creative process.
On the other hand, supporters of Davido are coming to his defense, suggesting that the initial payment Napji received may be standard practice as an advance. They contend that without full knowledge of the contractual agreement between Davido and Napji, it’s premature to pass judgment on the situation.
As the debate rages on, it highlights broader discussions within the music industry regarding fair compensation, transparency in contracts, and the dynamics of collaboration between artists and producers.