Nigerian singer Adeyinka Adeboye, popularly known as Boye Best, has broken his silence regarding allegations of copyright infringement made by fellow musician Goke Bajowa over the song 'Iwo Ko Lodami'. The controversy began when Bajowa publicly accused Boye Best of performing and sharing the track repeatedly for over five years without permission or proper credit.
Background of the Dispute
Goke Bajowa claimed that Boye Best has been performing his hit track without authorization and recently used the song in a promotional video tied to what appeared to be an album launch event. This gave fans the impression that Boye Best owned the track, according to Bajowa's Instagram post.
Boye Best's Defense
Responding to the allegations, Boye Best denied any wrongdoing and explained that the controversial promotional video was created by a lounge manager in Ikeja who invited him to host an event. He stated that the manager labeled the event as his album launch without his consent and attached a clip of him performing 'Iwo Ko Lodami'.
"I was advised not to comment on the ongoing allegation, but I have to clarify some things. Last Tuesday, the video Bajowa saw, I know nothing about it," Boye Best said. He added that the actual album launch was scheduled for Abeokuta on a different day, not at the Ikeja venue.
He further noted: "I don't know if he did that to attract more attention to his event. He also added a video of me singing 'Iwo Ko Lodami' by Goke Bajowa, which I was not aware of. When I saw the graphics, I was very upset, so I called him and cancelled the event at his lounge."
No Studio Recording
Boye Best clarified that he has never recorded the song in the studio or included it in any of his albums. According to him, he only performs the track at events when audiences request it.
"Everyone knows the song belongs to Goke Bajowa. It is usually people I perform for who request that I sing it, and if I refuse, they may tag me as proud. I have never recorded it formally in the studio because I understand the consequences of copyright," he explained.
Crediting the Original Artist
He also insisted that he always credits Bajowa whenever he performs the song, pointing to his Instagram posts as evidence. "I sing it out of love and because I personally like the song. I wish you continued success and long life," he added.
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In a separate incident, gospel singer Judikay joined Mercy Chinwo in taking music label boss Eezee Tee to court, accusing him of stealing $264,000. The case highlighted ongoing issues of copyright and financial disputes in the Nigerian music industry.
