Nigeria’s music scene has been rocked by a nasty public spat between Afropop giants Tekno and Kizz Daniel. The source of the discord? The massive success of their 2022 collaboration, “Buga,” which has become a global anthem,. What began as a chart-topping collaboration appears to have devolved into a messy fight over revenue and, more worryingly, bruised egos.
The drama unfolded on social media, with both artists taking to their platforms to air their grievances. It all started with a now-debunked blog post claiming Tekno had revealed receiving a hefty sum—close to a billion naira—from Kizz Daniel as his share of “Buga” royalties. Tekno vehemently denied these claims, calling them “fake news” and suggesting Kizz Daniel “doesn’t have that much money.” This public denial, laced with a hint of mockery, appears to have struck a nerve with Kizz Daniel.
In a fiery response on his social media page, Kizz Daniel seemingly took aim at Tekno’s career trajectory, suggesting “Buga” had revived Tekno’s waning popularity. “See you wey we rescue with Buga,” he wrote, implying Tekno’s career needed saving before the collaborative effort. This barb ignited the flames of the online feud, with fans taking sides and fueling the online firestorm.
Behind the Scenes: The Murky Waters of Music Royalties
While the public spectacle is undeniably entertaining, it also exposes the often-opaque world of music royalties in Nigeria. Streaming platforms, radio airplay, and live performances all contribute to an artist’s earnings. However, the specific breakdown of royalties, particularly in collaborations, can be a complex and sometimes contentious issue.
According to music industry insiders, contracts outlining royalty splits are crucial in safeguarding artists’ interests. In the absence of a clear, pre-determined agreement, situations like the “Buga” debacle can arise.
Beyond Social Media: Is a Legal Battle Brewing?
The mudslinging on social media raises questions about a potential legal battle. While neither artist has explicitly hinted at litigation, the public airing of grievances could be a precursor to legal action.
Should the dispute escalate, lawyers specializing in entertainment law would likely be called upon to dissect the details of any existing contracts and determine fair royalty distribution based on industry standards and individual contributions.
Industry Fallout: Trust and Collaboration at Stake
The public spat between Tekno and Kizz Daniel casts a shadow over future collaborations in the Nigerian music industry. Building trust and fostering healthy working relationships are essential for successful collaborations. This public feud might discourage other artists from taking the collaborative leap, fearing a similar bitter end.
The Fans: Caught in the Crossfire
Ultimately, the fans are the ones caught in the crossfire. The music that brought them joy is now overshadowed by a messy public fight. The focus has shifted from appreciating the artistic contribution to dissecting financial disagreements.
A Call for Resolution: Mending Fences and Moving Forward
The ideal scenario would involve both artists stepping back from the social media frenzy and engaging in constructive dialogue, perhaps with the help of mediators. Reaching a fair and amicable agreement outside the public eye would be the most beneficial outcome for all parties involved.
The “Buga” saga serves as a cautionary tale for the Nigerian music industry. Clear communication, transparent contracts, and a focus on artistic integrity are crucial ingredients for successful collaboration.
Let’s hope Tekno and Kizz Daniel can find a way to mend fences and move forward, allowing their music, not their social media squabbles, to be the focus for their fans. The Nigerian music scene thrives on collaboration, and a resolution to this conflict would pave the way for future creative partnerships that uplift and inspire, rather than divide and disappoint.
