Nubia’s public outcry marks a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about copyright infringement within the Nigerian music industry
Veteran Nigerian folk singer Beautiful Nubia has openly accused two gospel artists of stealing melodies from his original work.
In a strongly worded Instagram post, the respected songwriter alleged that elements of his song Seven Lives were copied without permission.
“There was Yinka Ayefele with ‘My Faith in God (Igbagbo Ireti)’ in 2012,” he wrote.
Beautiful Nubia, also known as gospel act BBO, also called out on a more recent song titled Amin.
“Now someone called BBO with Amin this year,” he added.
He maintained that both songs borrowed heavily from his original composition. In a blunt statement that has since circulated online, Beautiful Nubia questioned the integrity of musicians, particularly those in the gospel space.
He went further to describe the alleged act in plain terms.
He asked:
“When will Nigerians (especially so-called gospel singers) learn to respect copyright? Stealing na stealing, e no get another name. Well, you could call it thievery.”
“I love the fact that he said ( our song seven life) he did not say my song that our much he gets his fans and band group involved”
@natiwisky wrote:
“Hmmmmm. With utmost respect for your work Sir. I believe there is no new idea, we build on something, if you also probably do a see search you might realize seven lives possibly could be based on an old folk tune you probably had heard at some point. I believe it is human nature to copy possibly subconsciously at times. Maybe reaching out will make them admit it and doing the necessary and Untill this come to their attention they might not even have realized the similarity being such a simple tune.”
@benmoore04 noted:
“You de promote this thievery because I’m forced to listen to Amin and only God knows how many time I’ve skipped that song. No worries we your day one fans won’t stop loving you.”
Legit.ng had reported that after Yinka Ayefele appeared on skit maker, Isbae U’s podcast, he gave the singer a parting gift.
He gave Ayefele a skipping rope and asked him to jump up if he was happy about it. The reactions of the music star trended online after seeing the gift Isbae U gave him.
Read more on Legit.ng – Nigeria news.
