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Since the turn of the millennium, Nigerian music has been a hotbed of rivalry and drama among its artists. From diss tracks to Twitter wars, the industry has seen its fair share of beefs that have captivated fans and critics alike. Here are seven notable beefs in Nigerian music that have shaped the landscape of Afrobeats.

1. 2Baba V Blackface V Faze (Plantashun Boiz)
The iconic trio of 2Face (now known as 2Baba), Blackface, and Faze, collectively known as Plantashun Boiz, set the standard for boy bands in Nigeria. However, their breakup in 2004 was far from amicable, leading to a series of diss tracks and accusations. Despite a reunion album in 2007, Blackface continued to carry on the beef, releasing a diss track in 2019.

2. Mode9 V Ruggedman
Two of Nigeria’s top rappers, Mode9 and Ruggedman, engaged in a feud in the 2000s over the use of indigenous languages in rap. The exchange of diss tracks between the two further fueled the rivalry, creating a buzz in the hip-hop scene.

3. MI Abaga V Kelly Handsome
MI Abaga and Kelly Handsome found themselves at odds over a controversial single that praised online financial fraud. This led to a series of diss tracks and responses, escalating the beef between the two artists.

4. Olamide V Don Jazzy
The clash between Olamide and Don Jazzy at the 2015 Headies Awards over the Next Rated prize created a memorable moment in Nigerian music history. The heated exchange on stage and subsequent Twitter war captured the attention of fans and industry insiders.

5. MI Vs Vector
MI Abaga and Vector’s long-standing beef came to a head in 2019 with a series of diss tracks and public exchanges. Despite the intense rivalry, the two eventually settled their differences and collaborated on a track, showcasing a mature resolution to their feud.

6. Davido V Burna Boy
The once-close relationship between Burna Boy and Davido took a turn for the worse in 2020, leading to public jabs and shade-throwing on social media. The feud spilled over into their music, with subtle references and disses in their songs.

7. BNXN V Ruger
BNXN and Ruger’s beef took a competitive turn with claims of solo hits and financial success. The rivalry reached a peak when both artists were nominated for the Next Rated prize at the 2022 Headies Awards. However, they eventually buried the hatchet and celebrated their newfound friendship with a collaborative single.

These beefs have not only entertained fans but also shaped the narrative of Nigerian music, showcasing the competitive spirit and creative energy of the industry. From diss tracks to public spats, these rivalries have added an extra layer of excitement and drama to the vibrant Afrobeats scene.