Nigerian rapper Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, was caught on camera dancing to Burna Boy’s music at a Lagos nightclub on October 10, 2024. This unexpected scene unfolded just hours after Akpi’s release from police custody, following a complaint filed by Burna Boy himself.
The atmosphere at Club Quilox in Victoria Island, Lagos, was electric as Speed Darlington made his first public appearance post-release. Eyewitnesses report that the controversial rapper arrived at the club around 5:59 PM, greeted by a crowd of enthusiastic supporters.
It was like a hero’s welcome,” said Chidi Okonkwo, a clubgoer who captured the viral video. “People were throwing money in the air, and Akpi was just soaking it all in.”
As the night progressed, the club’s DJ, identified as DJ Spinall, made a bold move that caught everyone’s attention. In a seemingly calculated decision, he transitioned from a Davido track to Burna Boy’s hit single “Last Last.
The moment that Burna Boy track dropped, you could feel the tension in the air,” Okonkwo recalled. “But then Akpi just started dancing like nothing had happened. It was surreal.”
The video, which has since garnered over 2 million views on Twitter, shows Speed Darlington enthusiastically moving to the rhythm of his recent adversary’s music.
Social media erupted with mixed reactions to the video. While some users found humor in the situation, others questioned the authenticity of the clip.
Twitter user @Soloblinkz optimistically commented, “Burna and Akpi go turn bestie soon 😂🤝,” while @Cabalofcomedy quipped, “THE MATTER NEVER REALLY SETTLE BUT PRESIDO MOUNT REGARDLESS 😂.
However, skeptics like @Collinspaul915 suggested, “Old video madam,” implying that the footage might predate the recent controversy.
The dance video comes on the heels of Speed Darlington’s arrest on October 10, following allegations of defamation made by Burna Boy. Lagos-based entertainment lawyer, Folake Adeyemi, weighed in on the situation:
“While the video might seem lighthearted, it’s important to remember the legal implications at play here. Defamation cases in the entertainment industry can have serious consequences.
The incident has sparked discussions about free speech and accountability in Nigeria’s vibrant music scene. Industry analyst Oluwaseun Adebayo noted, “This situation highlights the complex relationships between artists and the power of social media in shaping narratives.
As the dust settles on this latest development, questions remain about the future of the relationship between Speed Darlington and Burna Boy. Will this dance video serve as an olive branch, or is it merely a momentary distraction from ongoing tensions?
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: in the fast-paced world of Nigerian entertainment, today’s adversaries could be tomorrow’s collaborators. As fans and industry watchers alike await the next chapter in this unfolding story, Speed Darlington’s dance moves serve as a reminder of music’s power to bridge even the most unexpected divides.
