From unexpected confrontations to attention-grabbing disputes and even a crypto scandal, the Nigerian pop culture realm has seen its fair share of controversies in the initial months of 2024. As the year progresses into the latter half, here are some of the wildest events that have defined the landscape.
Teezee’s Unpaid Debt Allegation
In January 2024, Prettyboy D-O, a singer, publicly accused Teezee, the head of Native Record label, of owing a videographer a sum estimated between $200-$300. Despite the ensuing drama and exchanges between Prettyboy D-O and OdumoduBlvck, Teezee chose not to address the issue directly.
Portable’s Spiderman Moment
After recording music and shooting a video with Skepta in London, Portable found himself entangled in an oddity back home. Trying to evade arrest by the police over a debt-related matter, Portable resorted to a daring move by climbing over a gate, reminiscent of a certain superhero, and even transformed the experience into a song titled Spiderman.
If you fancy a future in fence-hopping, Portable’s escapade video is a must-watch.
Bobrisky’s Legal Troubles
In early April, socialite Bobrisky found herself detained for a peculiar offense involving the mutilation of naira notes, commonly referred to as “spraying money.” Subsequently, by April 12th, she received a six-month jail sentence with no option for a fine. Fans impatiently await her return, affectionately calling her “Mummy of Laygus.”
Davido’s Controversial Gesture
Following a viral photo of Davido and a US model, known as “pinknative,” on Instagram, the model faced undue criticism online. In response, she posted a peculiar video showing Davido on his knees, with speculations suggesting he was pleading for intimate favors. It sparked a wave of speculation and amusement, eventually turning into fodder for memes.
Wizkid and Davido’s Verbal Spat
In an exchange on X, Wizkid teasingly shared Davido’s video to rile him up. Responding, Davido implied that Wizkid was unwell after Wizkid made disparaging remarks about an unidentified songwriter affiliated with Davido, igniting a brief feud. Fans anticipated a musical showdown akin to Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake, but it petered out into a flurry of engaging social media posts.
Don Jazzy’s Uncertain Image
With Wizkid’s capricious social media activity, opinions fluctuated. While in June 2024, he praised Don Jazzy as an outstanding individual, a month earlier, he humorously ridiculed him on X, amusing his Wizkid FC followers. A fan urging Wizkid to respond to Ladipoe’s critique of Afropop artists experiencing a decline in hits prompted Wizkid’s indirect jab at Don Jazzy, leading to a public outpouring of appreciation for Don Jazzy’s contributions and achievements.
Portable vs. Zlatan Ibile
A video of Portable expressing displeasure over Zlatan’s admonishment not to act out around Davido during a gathering circulated widely. Feeling slighted, Portable cautioned Zlatan against treating him condescendingly or like a child.
Davido’s Cryptocurrency Misstep
Further complicating matters, after his association with Racketerli in 2019, an enterprise that left many disappointed, Davido’s endorsement of the $DAVIDO meme coin led to a rapid devaluation within 24 hours. The Nigerian Securities And Exchange Commission (SEC) promptly labeled it a potential scam and issued a disclaimer to forewarn potential investors. This incident raised questions about financial motives, especially after his recent wedding.
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