Nigerian Artists may be innocent of some things, not just Copyright Infringement as some of them constantly find themselves being accused of stealing other people’s work.

Plagiarism has almost completely taken over the music industry, as artists see copying other people’s intellectual property as no big problem. Some argue that it is inescapable because a piano has only so many notes and a guitar has only so many chord configurations.

Others, on the other hand, will swear blind that stealing, ripping, robbing, and snatching a riff, melody, or tone from another artist’s music is categorically unacceptable.

RELATED:

• 6 Times Nigerian Artists have been accused of Getting Someone Pregnant
• 5 Nigerian Artists that have been arrested

In this article, Mp3bullet.ng highlights well-known artists whose identities have been dragged through the mud after being accused of Copyright Infringement.

Wizkid vs Tony Tetulia

Wizkid, a Nigerian music sensation, is on this list after being accused of song theft years ago. Wizkid was hit with a 30 million Naira lawsuit by renowned singer Tony Tetuila in December 2019. Wizkid and DJ Tunez allegedly copied content from Tony’s “Fefe N’efe” music and used it in their “Gbese” single, according to the lawsuit.

2Baba vs Blackface

This was the biggest of all song theft cases in Nigerian music history.

Former Plantashun Boiz members 2face and Blackface have been at odds for a long time over copyright problems. The immensely hit ‘African Queen,’ for which 2face received fame, is said to have been composed by Blackface. However, 2face later paid Blackface royalties from the song.

Blackface later accused 2Baba again of also denying him credit in the song ‘Let Somebody Love You’ which they both wrote together in their days as Plantashun Boiz. 2face later featured American singer, Bridget Kelly in the song, and included it in his The Ascension album.

Tiwa Savage vs Danny Young

In 2019, Danny Young filed a N200 million copyright suit against Savage for her 2018 song, ‘One’, which he claimed she copied from his 2009 single, “Oju Tiwon”.

In the suit, he sought a declaration that by copying, performing, and distributing literary work and music lyrics authored and owned by him without lawful authority, the defendants have infringed on his copyright.

Later that same year, in an update to the story, Danny Young revealed that they have settled out of court. He made this known on his Instagram page.

Davido vs Password

Davido, the Omo Baba Olowo singer, was accused of copyright infringement in 2013 by an up-and-coming artist, Password, who claimed he stole the premise and lyrics of the song “Gobe.”

According to reports, Password had initially released Gobe in 2011 but didn’t make a hit. It was later reported that Davido bought the song from Password for 500 thousand Naira.

Mr. P of P-square v Henry Knight

In 2018, an upcoming singer, Henry Knight via his Instagram page posted a message accusing Peter Okoye of plagiarizing and duplicating his song without giving proper credit.

Henry Knight accused Peter Okoye (Mr. P) of lifting content from his song, Ebeano, without proper credit.

The musician vented his frustrations on Instagram, blaming major artists of hindering the development of up-and-coming artists.

Henry Knight played both songs side by side with his lengthy caption to expose Mr. P’s apparent attempt to duplicate his hook (chorus). Mr. P, on the other hand, never mentioned the incident in public. It’s supposed that they’ve worked out their differences in private.

Simi, Jaywon vs Victor Uwaifo

In November 2017, legendary artist and one-time Commissioner for Arts and Culture in Edo State, Sir Victor Uwaifo, accused Jaywon and Simi of remixing his song “Joromi” without his consent.

In an interview with Vanguard, Sir Victor Uwaifo stated that he would prefer not to take both of them to court for not getting permission from him before remixing the song as the original composer, but that he wishes they had done the right thing.

The legendary singer later sued Simi at the federal high court for N50 million. They must have settled in private because nothing was heard ever again of the issue.

Timi Dakolo vs Majek Fashek

in July 2016, Majek Fashek threatened to sue Timi Dakolo for remaking his song titled ‘Send Down The Rain’ in 2013 without his permission.

The iconic reggae singer told Punch Newspaper that The Voice Nigeria judge Timi Dakolo infringed on his copyright law by stealing his legendary classic Send Down the Rain song in 2013.

He called him a sub-par artiste and compared him to his peers, fellow The Voice Nigeria coach 2Baba, Wizkid and Olamide.

“I felt bad when I learnt that he worked on my song without my consent. He did not even give me credit. He is a very bad artiste and he took advantage of the circumstance that I was facing during that time. The song is not a normal song; it is a spiritual hit song. Timi Dakolo does not know how I suffered to get that song. I fasted for seven days before I got that song. I partook in three days ‘white’ fasting before the song came to me. Timi Dakolo did not go through that. I did not fight him because I do not have time. Let God judge us,” he said.

Timi Dakolo responded to the allegations on his Instagram page, saying he rightfully paid Majek’s manager for the rights to remake the song, and he even has the receipts to prove it.

“MY PEOPLE IT TRULY SADDENS ME TO SEE SUCH… I ALWAYS TRY TO DO THINGS RIGHTLY AND LAWFULLY… I PAID HIS MANAGER TO REMAKE THE SONG,I GOT MY INVOICE…I EVEN MENTIONED TO HIM DURING OUR REHEARSALS AT THE HEADIES.. SO HONESTLY I DONT UNDERSTAND THIS WRITE UP… OGA MAJEK FASHEK..I RESPECT AND LOVE YOU…YOUR VOICE GIVES LIFE TO LYRICS… YOU ARE ONE OF THE BEST MUSICIANS I KNOW..GOD BLESS YOU..”

Tekno vs Danfo Drivers

In 2018, The pair of Mountain Black and Mad Melon (real names Jimoh Olotu and Omeofa Oghene respectively), of the ‘Danfo Drivers’ fame accused producer and artiste, Tekno of sampling one of their songs without permission.

In an interview with Wazobia TV, the duo said that Tekno’s song titled ‘Jogodo’ is a sample of their 2008 song titled ‘Kpolongo’.

They also said during the interview that they came to Lagos to hunt for Tekno and collect the money/royalties he owes them for sampling their song without permission.

However, days later, a high-powered meeting was set up at the residence of a successful socialite and entrepreneur where the issue was said to have been resolved.

A source, who was at the meeting revealed that Tekno known for his peaceful nature apologised to the ‘Danfo Drivers’ and gave them a substantial amount of money as compensation.

RELATED:

• Popular Artists who have surprisingly never won a Grammy
• 4 Times Nigerian Comedians have shaded Nigerian Artists

Kcee vs Jude Nnam

In 2021, the social media was agog with the news of a court case instituted against ‘Limpopo’ crooner and Five Stars records artiste, Kingsley Chinweike Okonkwo better known as Kcee, over alleged copyright infringement of ‘Som Too Chukwu’, a 2001 track by Jude Nnam, Nigerian music composer and performer.

Jude Nnam had, in the suit alleged that Kcee copied his lyrics for his 2021 Okwesili Eze Group-assisted single titled ‘Cultural Praise Vol 1’.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Nigerian Artists who have been accused of Copyright Infringement.

However, 2Baba is simply a course when analysing the history of the new era in the Nigerian music industry.

When 2Baba launched into the Nigerian music scene in the 90s, read again, I said 90s, he was the chosen one, his story complemented in his craft so well, the story surrounding an artist also contribute to the legendary capabilities.

He stylishly kicked off this new era, new generation, revisiting insightfully, we had others at the peak during this times, they impacted hugely to the culture, the playmakers behind the scene too, all contributed immensely to the growth of the movement.

Editorial Focus

2Baba, born Innocent Ujah Idibia, has not only conquered with his music, but he has also set a new record that generations yet to come may find difficult to surpass, this is beyond musical statistics, is a natural phenomenon.

Hence, it is safe to say that African Queen is the first most continental successful solo song in Nigeria of the new era and beyond if need be.

Over the years, the ‘African Queen’ crooner has exhibited a steadfast passion for reinventing the wheel and the strength of creativity that has come to define the genius that he is, it means that over 2 decades, 2Baba has been consistent in dropping hit songs on reference pace.

As a member of the defunct Plantashun Boiz, who alongside groups like The Remedies, (major pioneering Nigerian hip-hop music group. It consisted of Eedris Abdulkareem, Tony Tetuila and Eddy Remedy) kick-started the Afro hip hop revolution of the late 90s that gave birth to what is today known as the Nigerian contemporary sound.

• RELATED: Sarkodie is on the verge of becoming a Ghanaian musical legend
• RELATED: Top 10 Nigerian rapper-Singer Collaborations

2Baba gave every artist after him hope, he was the light of the industry, the most consistent at the beginning of the new era are Dbanj, P-Square, three of them was at the pivot in the very beginning.

Insight

From the Idoma ethnic group in the southern part of Benue State, in central Nigeria to the centre of the industry, 2Baba has the most famous background story in the music industry, I mean the grass to grace kind of story that also play important role in street credibility.

He has remained a constant and formidable force as a middle belt star in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Ageing a life of excellence, the songwriter and composer have perfectly inspired many young Nigerians with his inspirational music, came around when music was all about substance and not just vibe snd 80% sound.

Popularly known for his smash hit track, “ African Queen”, a song in praise of the African woman which he released in the early 2000s, under Kenny Ogungbe’s Kennis Music Label, the majority of Nigerians had knowledge of record via  Kenny Ogungbe’s Kennis Music Label.

That’s why 2Baba deserved all the accolades that have trailed his career in music in the past 18 years.

Releasing “African Queen”, was the highlight of his career, the song did not only elevate the status of the superstar but also, went on to earn him the recognition of being one of the most iconic African musicians of all time.

Apart from being used in the soundtrack for the film “Phat Girlz”, which was released internationally, the song later became a somewhat national anthem.

And 2Baba would forever acknowledge the huge mileage and international acclamation the song brought to him.

• RELATED: Intensive reflection on Ycee’s unbeatable musical runs
• RELATED: Top 10 Most Streamed 2021 Nigerian Songs On Spotify so far 

Interestingly, the love of his life turned out to become his African Queen, Annie Idibia, who was in the music video.

Indeed, while his music clearly stands the test of time, 2Baba has continued to defy odds as one of the greatest artists of this generation.

Also, even when his contemporaries have fallen by the wayside, the superstar has remained to stand, dishing out evergreen songs consistently, this is not in doubt but I wouldn’t want to go further in this area.

Prospective

In 2017, 2baba as he’s popularly called now also unlocked one of his previous year’s biggest hits, “Gaaga Shuffle” which instantly became a fans’ favourite.

His other hit songs such as Dance in the Rain, “Only Me, True Love, The Ascension, and etc. 2Baba is one the all-time artist with large discography.

The Unstoppable”, his third album, released in 2008 and featured RnB king, R Kelly was repackaged in 2010 and made waves in the international scene.

He went on to release his fifth album, Away and Beyond, which he dropped in 2012, with songs like ‘Spiritual Healing’ and ‘Rainbow’, becoming club banger tracks.

He has done numerous collaborations with both old and young artists. At a time he signed veteran highlife maestro, Sir Victor Uwaifo to his Hypertek Imprint.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on 2Baba: The legend of the new era in the Nigerian music industry.

‘Something Else’ is a sonically directed EP that is pleasing to the ear, and notwithstanding it showed more maturity, confidence, and control. It is somewhat sonorous and bangs at first listen with good production quality.

Mr Eazi understands what a body of work means, which in factual cases some don’t and it still not bad because some artistes are built on album-making mode while some dwell powerfully on singles delivery.

In 2013, Mr Eazi released his debut mixtape project ‘About to Blow‘, four years later he released ‘Life is Eazi, Vol. 1 (Accra to Lagos)’, and released Life is Eazi Vol.2 (Lagos to London) in 2018, he released ‘One Day You’ Will Understand’ just last year and yet we’re talking about another project unlocked.

Now, I’m thrill to highlight the project with singly observations as regards collective rundown.

Something Else EP Tracks Overview:

Track 1: The Don (Intro) Pre-Released

E-Kelly created an inviting space and both connected on a deeper level, the baby-like sound effect sampled at the beginning of the beat highlighted the atmosphere, introducing the feel in the mood kind of vibe.

Chorus:
“Man’a the don and I paid my price
I’m living like I’m in paradise
All of the girls say me sweet and nice
Oya sun gbalaja make I throw tonight”

It introduced a pompously dominated approach which gives the listener confidence and egomania, still a very noticeable character.

Catchy hook:
“Oya whine am low kole gbowo o (baby o)
To ba wa o ma gbowo o
So fun wo for igboro o
Umm moti gboro o”

The hook created another melodious and slightly ambient tone, tint nimble backup vocal that floats over multiplex beats.

Track 2: Love for You

The Spells-produced track expresses a great declaration of affection with an addictive tune, an infused afro high life sound, the chord reminds me of Runtown’s “Mad Over you” very suiting with mixed Ghana “twi” pidgin language.

Funnily enough but true is that Mr Eazi invented twi lines like ‘E be you‘ ‘Odeyewu‘ ‘Ohemaa‘ and the likes of it in today’s Nigeria afrobeats song

Chorus:
“You know say I gat love for you, I gat love for you
I gat love for you and I no go fuck up, o
You know say I gat love for you, I gat love for you
I gat love for you and I no go fuck up, o”

Track 3: Cherry Feat. Xenia Manasseh

This is an amazingly created piece with assistance from a 23-year-old Kenyan singer Xenia Manasseh.

The Blaq Jerzee‘s produced track got Mr Eazi diversified to express from his soul, fusing it with the Igbo language “Gwa m ịfe ị na-achọ (hmm) Ife gị na-ato m ụtọ” that makes it remarkably good.

Chorus:
Baby girl I want that Cherry Cherry Cherry
I need that Cherry Cherry Cherry
Can I bite that Cherry Cherry Cherry
Squeeze that Cherry Cherry

Track 4: Saudi Arabia

This song is a total vibe, produced by Blaq Jerzee, very danceable, make one want to start dancing, a vibe from start to finish, the pre-chorus sampled Solid Star 2014 hit “My body” featuring Timaya.

Chorus:
I go cherish you, I go treasure you
Everyday I go pamper you
Likey gold and silver wey I find
Likey gold and silver wey I find, oh
For Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, oh-oh
For Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, oh-oh (Chai)

Track 5: E Be Mad

This track is produced by  Kel P & Jaylon, it has that Sir Victor Uwaifo‘s guitar strings and high-life chords, one of the best-chilled songs on the project.

Chorus:
“E be mad o E be mad
E be mad o E be mad
For the night o For the night
Make you dey my side o for the night
Nne for my life o for my life
I no see your type o for my life
E be mad o E be mad
E be mad o E be mad”

Ratings:

Mid = 0.01
Average = 0.02
Good = 2.5
Excellent = 2.5> 

Conclusion:
Mp3bullet gives the project a 95.1% (Excellent) general rating.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Mr Eazi demonstrates Artistical Prowess on ‘Something Else’ EP.