Nigerian record producer and social media commentator, Samklef, has ignited a fiery debate online by squarely blaming Afrobeats superstar Davido for introducing a culture of toxicity, intense rivalry, and underhanded tactics into the country's music scene.
The Allegations: From Peaceful Coexistence to "Dirty Moves"
The controversy began on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, when producer and singer Pheelz tweeted about the damaging effects of constant comparisons in the industry. Samklef seized the opportunity to point a finger at David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido.
In a series of posts, Samklef painted a picture of a once-harmonious industry. He claimed that during the early reigns of Wizkid and Olamide, the atmosphere was one of "pure love" and mutual respect among artists. He argued there was no pressure or hatred, just a focus on the music itself.
"Then one Scorpio boy who moves like Diddy... Davido entered, and since then the industry has turned toxic," Samklef wrote. He accused Davido's presence of bringing a "cultist mindset," threats, fake streams, and "dirty moves everywhere." His core argument is that Davido transformed the landscape from collaborative enjoyment to cutthroat competition.
Context and Past Criticisms
This is not the first time Samklef has publicly criticized Davido's approach. In a previous incident, he commented on why the "Timeless" crooner often faces disrespect despite his philanthropic acts. Samklef drew a comparison to Olamide, suggesting that while both have helped many, Davido's help comes with expectations and a desire for control, whereas Olamide's is perceived as more unconditional.
He also previously mocked Davido's collaboration with Bob Marley's grandson, YG Marley, calling it a rushed and "wack" attempt to copy Burna Boy's style. These recurring critiques form a pattern of allegations from Samklef, who insists he has love for Davido but believes the star needs to stop "playing the victim."
Mixed Reactions Flood Social Media
As expected, Samklef's latest outburst triggered a wave of reactions from netizens and fans. The responses were sharply divided, reflecting the polarized nature of fan bases in Nigerian pop culture.
Some users agreed with his assessment, with one commenter stating, "99% of Nigerian musicians are cultists. Davido only happens to be the loudest." Another criticized the financial one-upmanship in the industry, alleging it led to "bought awards" and inflated media narratives.
However, many others blasted Samklef for scapegoating Davido. Critics called his claims exaggerated and pointed out that industry rivalry and friction are global phenomena not attributable to a single individual. Some responses sarcastically blamed Davido for historic hip-hop feuds in America, highlighting the perceived absurdity of pinning all toxicity on one person.
As of the time of reporting, Davido has not publicly responded to these specific allegations made by Samklef. The online discourse continues to rage, underscoring the passionate debates surrounding celebrity influence and the evolving culture of the Nigerian entertainment industry.
