You Be Thief, Are You not? Says Konga

Burna Boy has been accused by veteran Nigerian singer Konga of utilizing his lyrics and rhythm without giving due credit or payment. Konga noted in a TikTok video message that Burna Boy used his lines and rhythm in the song “Update” and made reference to him in the “Sungba Remix.” Although he was grateful for Burna Boy’s praise, he demanded a partnership and, in particular, a verse on the remix of his song “Kabakaba Remix” as payment. “I want Kabakaba Remix with you and Tiwa Savage,” Konga said. “I call you out in peace,” he said as he wrapped up his speech.

This incident is a part of a larger discussion about claims of intellectual property infringement in the Nigerian music industry. Ghanaian musician Kuami Eugene, for example, has responded to accusations that he has plagiarized lyrics from Burna Boy and other artists. He pointed out that well-known artists frequently take inspiration from already-existing pieces. “I’m not the only artist to do this; every major act does this,” Eugene said. Burna Boy pulls it off.

Furthermore, Burna Boy has been accused by the Nigerian creative studio Insecta for purportedly infringing their artistic work without adequate credit. Insecta alleged that Burna Boy and Aristokrat exploited their artwork for a performance during the Essence Concert in South Africa and did not acknowledge or compensate Insecta. They explained, “…Burna Boy and Aristokrat had taken our artistic work and used it in South Africa for Burna’s performance at Essence Concert without compensation or letting us take any form of credit.” In consequence, Burna Boy’s management team refuted the claims, calling them untrue and malicious.

These incidents refer to ongoing controversies over intellectual property rights and the balance between artistic influence and creativity in the Nigerian music industry.