Music producer Samklef has accused Afrobeats star Davido of playing a major role in promoting rivalry and toxic behaviour within Nigeria’s music industry.
Samklef made the allegation while responding to a post by producer-turned-singer Pheelz, who had lamented the growing culture of comparisons and hostility among artistes in the industry.
“Music was meant to be enjoyed, not to be compared. This comparison game is hurting the sound and culture more than we can ever know,” Pheelz wrote.
Reacting to the statement, Samklef claimed that the industry was characterised by mutual respect and harmony when artistes like Wizkid and Olamide were rising to prominence, before Davido became a major force.
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According to him, Davido’s emergence marked the beginning of unhealthy competition, toxicity and other negative practices in the industry.
He argued that the music scene was never intended to thrive on rivalry or excessive competition, but on creativity and enjoyment.
“Music was fun when we started. When Wizkid came, there was no comparison—everything was pure love.
“Olamide came too, same thing. No pressure, no hatred, just music.
“Then one Scorpio boy who moves like diddy..Davido entered, and since then the industry turned toxic.
“Cultist mindset, threats, fake streams, dirty moves everywhere.”
Samklef’s comments have since generated mixed reactions online, with several critics faulting him for blaming Davido alone for the perceived decline in industry values.
As of the time of this report, Davido has not responded to the accusations.
