In a recent turn of events, Nigerian musician Mr. P (Peter Okoye of the iconic duo P-Square) has responded to accusations made by British-Nigerian artist Darkoo concerning the use of a sampled track on her hit song “Focus on Me.” Darkoo, who rose to prominence with her blend of Afrobeat and UK drill, had previously made claims about not receiving proper credit for her contribution to the song, leading to a social media spat that sparked heated discussions within the music industry.
In an exclusive interview with Nigerian Beat, Mr. P, who co-produced the track, provided clarification on the issue, stating that while the song was indeed a collaborative effort, there were contractual and legal issues regarding the sample clearance that have since caused the confusion.
“First and foremost, I want to say I respect Darkoo’s artistry. The track ‘Focus on Me’ was always meant to be a celebration of her talent,” Mr. P said. “But what people don’t understand is that the entire situation comes down to a flawed document that was signed early in the process. I signed an agreement that I later discovered was incomplete and, frankly, not in the best interest of all parties involved.”
Mr. P went on to explain that after receiving a legal review, it became clear that the sample clearance process had not been fully addressed by the management team handling the project. “The sample clearance was mishandled, and that led to the misunderstandings. I take full responsibility for not catching it sooner,” he admitted. “We’re working to resolve this as quickly as possible, and we hope to rectify the situation to everyone’s satisfaction.”
Darkoo, who had previously expressed frustration on social media, has yet to publicly comment on Mr. P’s statement. However, sources close to the artist suggest that Darkoo is open to a resolution, provided that the necessary adjustments are made to ensure she receives the credit and compensation she believes she is owed.
Industry experts have noted that this incident highlights the often-overlooked complexities of sample clearance in music production, particularly when artists from different regions collaborate. “It’s a common issue in the industry, where paperwork gets lost in the shuffle or is not as thorough as it should be,” says music lawyer Lola Adeyemi. “While the situation is unfortunate, it’s good to see Mr. P owning up to the mistake and working towards a solution.”
For now, both artists and their respective teams are reportedly in talks to resolve the matter. “We hope to move forward with Darkoo as collaborators, not as opponents,” Mr. P concluded. “Music is about unity, and I want this situation to reflect that.”
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper legal processes in the music industry, where small oversights can lead to big disputes. Fans of both artists are eagerly awaiting the outcome, as many hope for a harmonious resolution that will allow them to continue enjoying the track and their individual careers.
source: Legit.ng