Nigerian Afrobeats singer Iyanya has responded to recent accusations of taking sides in the long-standing feud between music heavyweights Wizkid and Davido. The singer, who has previously collaborated with Wizkid on the hit track Sexy Mama, clarified that he holds no grudges and supports all his colleagues equally.
The controversy reignited after an X user accused Iyanya of abandoning his former collaborator, Wizkid, in favor of Davido. This accusation came following Iyanya’s visible support for Davido’s recent musical releases on social media.
The online jab, posted by @Akubasteeny on Wednesday, read:
“I thought Wiz was your friend. I am just wondering why you switched side and turned into Davido’s boy.”
The comment triggered a candid response from Iyanya, who took to the platform to clear the air about his position amid the brewing tensions between the two Nigerian music giants.
“I Don’t Have Issues With Any Artist” – Iyanya
Reacting to the accusation, Iyanya made it clear that he harbors no ill feelings towards any artist in the industry and refuses to be dragged into fan-driven rivalries. He stated that his appreciation for music cuts across all artists, and his listening habits are not influenced by personal allegiances.
“I don’t have an issue with any artiste. I played Wizkid’s Made in Lagos and Morayo, the same way I play every other artiste’s songs,” he wrote.
“Most artistes will not say this, but artistes are the first to listen to other artistes’ projects when they drop. It’s part of our work to know what’s happening in the game in terms of sound and creativity.”
Iyanya went further to reveal that he often discovers and supports new music and emerging artists, thanks to his close friend and music executive Ubi Franklin, who introduces him to fresh talent.
“I was playing Fola’s songs before he had a big song. That’s because @ubifranklin1 loves listening to a lot of new artists, and he will always introduce me to their sound.”
“I Play Everyone’s Music – No Agenda”
Highlighting his neutral stance, the Kukere crooner listed several artists whose music he regularly listens to, including Fireboy DML and Joeboy.
“Fireboy’s Adedamola album, Joeboy’s Viva Lavida album—I play all of them. I don’t have enemies,” he said.
Iyanya emphasized that the so-called beefs are often fueled by fans and online commentators, not by the artists themselves.
“So make una stop this ‘friend or no friend’ talk. Me and Burna [Burna Boy] still saw each other in the club three weeks ago, and we vibed well.
Na una fans dey try dey push agenda wey no dey,” he wrote in Pidgin, referring to fans who amplify or invent feuds.
The Ongoing Wizkid-Davido Rivalry
The long-running tension between Wizkid and Davido dates back over a decade and has seen several flare-ups both in the media and on social platforms. In 2024, the rivalry escalated once again, with both artists engaging in a series of social media exchanges that left fans divided.
While both camps maintain large and loyal fan bases, many observers have criticized the toxic culture of stoking rivalry between artists who could otherwise collaborate and support each other in growing the Afrobeats genre on the global stage.
Iyanya’s latest comments aim to douse the flames and redirect focus back to the music and camaraderie that originally fueled the industry’s growth.
Unity Over Rivalry
Industry insiders have often lamented the divisiveness fueled by fan culture, which has in some cases resulted in missed collaboration opportunities and a toxic atmosphere online. Iyanya’s message stands in contrast to this trend, offering a voice of reason and neutrality.
“It’s music first, not personal beef,” one fan commented in support of Iyanya’s statement.
Several other fans praised the singer’s maturity, calling for more artists to adopt a similar perspective.
Music analyst Tunde Bello weighed in, saying:
“What Iyanya said is important. Nigerian artists don’t need this fan-driven polarization. There’s enough space for everyone. The global market wants unity, not division.”
A Message to the Fans
By addressing the issue directly and publicly, Iyanya not only distanced himself from the drama but also encouraged fans to let artists coexist peacefully. He urged fans to stop projecting unnecessary rivalry where none exists.
His message also served as a reminder that artists, despite public perception, often maintain cordial and supportive relationships behind the scenes—even when their followers may be locked in heated debates online.
“Let us support all our stars equally. Their unity will only strengthen the Afrobeats movement,” another fan posted in reply.
Conclusion
Iyanya’s stance is a refreshing voice amid the noise and drama that often surrounds celebrity culture in Nigeria’s music industry. By choosing unity over division, he not only clarifies his position but also sets an example for how artists can navigate complex industry dynamics without becoming entangled in public feuds.
His message is clear: the music comes first, and personal loyalty shouldn’t be misinterpreted as an endorsement of conflict.
