In the buzzing corridors of the Nigerian music industry, drama often accompanies success stories. Today’s headline features Augustine Obiabo Amedu, famously known as Blackface, who has ignited a firestorm by accusing his fellow artist Shallipopi of stealing his song.
Blackface alleges that Shallipopi, in his recent debut album Shakepopi, sampled Blackface’s track Enemy Plan without seeking proper permission. The seriousness of this accusation cannot be overstated, given Blackface’s stature in the industry.
In a video shared on his Instagram page, Blackface expressed his frustration, questioning whether artists can’t find their own sounds and melodies without resorting to copying others. He said, “Can’t they create their own music without copying mine? I’ve even made remixes for them, so they should abandon this project.”
As the controversy swirls, Shallipopi’s response, or lack thereof, is under scrutiny. His silence begs the question: is it an admission of guilt or a strategic move?
This incident raises broader issues about protecting artists’ rights and the importance of originality in the music industry. Blackface, a respected figure, stands firm in defending creativity amidst a culture of imitation.
