“Copycat” and “Know Your Worth”: Kcee and Flavour Clash Over Accusations of Plagiarism

Nigerian artist Kingsley Chinweike Okonkwo, popularly known as Kcee, and fellow highlife musician Chinedu Okoli, better known as Flavour, are embroiled in a dispute over accusations of plagiarism.....Read Full Article>>

The conflict began when Flavour posted a subtle jab on his official X account (formerly Twitter) on Monday, suggesting that someone in the music industry had copied his style.

He wrote, “Copy copy akaria,” which quickly led fans to speculate that he was targeting Kcee, who has recently transitioned into Afropop, highlife, and Igbo cultural music.

Kcee promptly responded on his own X account, asserting that Flavour was not on his level and advising him to choose his battles wisely. He urged Flavour to stop trying to gatekeep Igbo music, asserting that he had been in the industry longer than the “Ada Ada” hitmaker.

In his response, Kcee stated, “Bro, we are not on the same level. Pick your battles carefully. Stop trying to gatekeep Igbo culture. You’re not a custodian. I’ve been in this game before you.

It belongs to all. You don’t own this genre of music. My music celebrates our heritage, and I won’t apologize.

In an ocean of things that matter, you’re like a needle. Get that right. People recognize authenticity.

I’ll continue celebrating our culture unapologetically. Spend your energy on success, not diminishing mine.”