Nigerian singer Akinmayokun Awodumila, professionally known as May D, has ignited a firestorm of social media discourse by emphatically rejecting comparisons to his industry peer Wizkid, declaring himself a “different breed” and challenging the music community’s tendency to draw parallels between artists.
Explosive comments posted on X (formerly Twitter) became an instant catalyst for widespread discussion. “Don’t ever compare me to anyone in this industry again!! Especially Wiz!! I’m a different breed!! God’s baby,” May D proclaimed, his words resonating with a mixture of defiance and self-assurance.
The singer’s passionate statement came with an intriguing backstory. May D recounted a personal moment of professional respect, describing an event where Wizkid performed “Too Fine,” a collaborative track featuring Kel. Despite his strong stance against comparisons, May D emphasized that he continues to love and respect Wizkid, creating a nuanced narrative of artistic independence.
Social media erupted with a kaleidoscope of reactions. Netizens unleashed a torrent of comments ranging from supportive to satirical. Some fans playfully referenced obscure musical references like “Yungi Duu,” while others defended May D’s right to distinguish his musical identity.
Comments like “Who dey compare Lion and Lizard? Abeg” captured the sentiment of those supporting May D’s stance, suggesting a fundamental incomparability between artists. Others saw the outburst as a potential strategy for career revitalization, with one user suggesting he was “looking for trouble” to reignite public interest.
This dramatic declaration arrives against a complex backdrop of May D’s personal and professional journey. Earlier this year, he candidly shared details about his life as a house husband in Sweden, emphasizing his independence and ability to make unconventional choices. He was careful to highlight that his musical career and performances provided substantial income, challenging assumptions about his financial dependency.
May D’s controversial history extends beyond musical comparisons. Last year, he found himself embroiled in a public dispute with a Nigerian waitress who accused him of refusing to pay an N11,000 outstanding meal balance. His response—claiming financial constraints and promising future payment—further complicated his public persona.
The music industry’s landscape is often characterized by comparisons, with fans and critics alike constantly measuring artists against one another. May D’s outburst represents a bold rejection of this narrative, asserting an individual artistic identity that transcends simplistic parallels.
His declaration of being a “different breed” speaks to a deeper desire for artistic recognition beyond mere comparative metrics. It suggests a profound need for musicians to be understood as unique creative entities, rather than being perpetually measured against their contemporaries.
Wizkid, a globally recognized Nigerian music icon, has consistently been a benchmark in the African music scene. May D’s explicit refusal to be measured against such a prominent figure represents a significant statement of artistic self-determination.
The social media reaction demonstrates the complex dynamics of the Nigerian music industry. Fans oscillated between mockery, support, and genuine curiosity about May D’s bold statement. Some comments suggested a recognition of the inherent absurdity of direct artist comparisons, while others playfully challenged May D’s claims.
Beyond the immediate controversy, May D’s statement opens up broader conversations about artistic identity, individual musical journeys, and the pressures faced by artists in a highly competitive industry. It highlights the personal and professional challenges of maintaining a unique creative voice in an environment that often seeks to categorize and compare.
His robust declaration serves as a reminder that musical identity is deeply personal. Artists are not interchangeable commodities but complex creative individuals with unique trajectories, experiences, and artistic expressions.
May D’s bold stance ultimately transcends a simple social media outburst. It becomes a powerful narrative about self-definition, artistic integrity, and the fundamental right of musicians to be understood on their own terms, free from reductive comparisons.
