Veteran Nigerian producer Samklef has stirred conversation online after openly blaming superstar singer Davido for what he believes is the rise of rivalry and toxic competition within the country’s music industry.
Samklef made the comments while responding to a post by singer-producer Pheelz, who had voiced concerns about the growing culture of constant artist comparisons. According to Pheelz, music is meant to be appreciated for its creativity, not turned into a scoreboard that pits artists against one another.
“Music was created to be enjoyed, not compared. This comparison mindset is damaging the sound and the culture in ways we don’t fully understand yet,” Pheelz wrote.
Aligning with that view, Samklef shared his own reflections on how he feels the industry has changed over the years. He described the early days of mainstream Afrobeats as a time driven by passion, respect, and collective growth rather than competition.
Recalling the emergence of stars like Wizkid and Olamide, Samklef said the atmosphere back then was largely free of hostility. According to him, artists focused on making music and supporting one another, with little emphasis on rankings or rivalry.
However, he claimed the tone of the industry shifted with Davido’s entry into the spotlight. Samklef alleged that the scene became increasingly aggressive, accusing the period that followed of being marked by unhealthy competition, intimidation, and questionable industry practices.
“Music was pure fun when we started,” he wrote. “When Wizkid came, it was all love. Same with Olamide—no pressure, no hate, just vibes and music. But when Davido arrived, everything changed. The industry became toxic—cult-like mentality, threats, fake numbers, and dirty tactics everywhere.”
Samklef’s remarks quickly ignited debate across social media platforms. While some fans applauded him for speaking candidly about the industry’s evolution, others pushed back, arguing that competition is a natural and even necessary part of growth in any creative field.
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As discussions continue online, opinions remain divided on whether rivalry has sharpened Nigerian music’s global appeal or slowly eroded the sense of unity that once defined the culture.
