Popular music producer Samklef has stirred controversy after claiming that Nigerian singer Davido’s emergence marked the beginning of rivalry and toxicity in the country’s music industry.
Samklef made the assertion while reacting to a post by singer and producer Pheelz, who criticised the growing culture of constant comparisons among artists, warning that it is damaging Nigeria’s music sound and creative culture.
“Music was meant to be enjoyed, not to be compared. This comparison game is hurting the sound and culture more than we can ever know,” Pheelz wrote.
Aligning with the sentiment, Samklef reflected on what he described as a more harmonious era in the industry, saying the atmosphere during the rise of artistes like Wizkid and Olamide was characterised by mutual respect and genuine love for music.
According to him, the dynamic shifted with Davido’s entry into the scene, as rivalry and unhealthy competition became more prominent, contributing to what he described as increasing toxicity within the industry.