In a recent interview with Naija FM in Lagos, Ahmedu Augustine Obiabo, popularly known as Blackface and a former member of the defunct Plantashun Boiz, has accused renowned Nigerian artists Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Asake of intellectual property theft.
Blackface alleges that his songs were sampled by the trio without his consent, raising concerns about the unauthorized use of his creative work. The veteran singer-songwriter, known for hits like ‘Ghetto Child,’ during the interview, shed light on the similarities between his original tracks and the sampled versions.
During the interview, Blackface specifically pointed out that Wizkid and Burna Boy’s collaboration ‘Ginger’ borrowed heavily from his song ‘Twist & Turn.’ He highlighted similarities in the rhythms, beat, and the way the melody commences and concludes, suggesting that only the verses were altered.
Additionally, Blackface accused Asake of sampling his popular track ‘Ikebe Supa’ in his song titled ‘Joha.’ Blackface believes that his influence is evident in Asake’s work, emphasizing the need for acknowledgment and respect within the creative industry.
While Blackface expressed his openness to young artists sampling his songs, he emphasized the importance of seeking proper permission and engaging in respectful collaboration. The veteran singer’s allegations have sparked mixed reactions amongst Nigerians