Nigerian Singer Jaywon Claims His 2012 Hit Song ‘This Year’ Has Been Copied by Gospel and Afrobeats Artists
A heated debate has erupted in the Nigerian music scene, with singer Jaywon alleging that both gospel and Afrobeats artists have been replicating the template of his 2012 hit song ‘This Year.’ Jaywon’s comments come in response to the exclusion of ‘This Year’ from Billboard’s Best Afrobeats Songs of All-Time list.
Taking to his social media handle, Jaywon expressed his disappointment and frustration, arguing that his song has had more cultural impact than any track featured on the Billboard list. “Trending since 2012 and still going strong,” he wrote. “Tell me, who else has pulled that off? Hate is inevitable, but year after year, both gospel and Afrobeats acts copy the same vibe, yet we remain unshaken.”
Jaywon’s remarks have sparked a conversation about the influence of his song on the Nigerian music industry. Since its release in 2012, ‘This Year’ has become a staple in Nigerian pop culture, with its catchy melody and uplifting lyrics resonating with listeners across the country.
The exclusion of ‘This Year’ from the Billboard list has fueled Jaywon’s claims of his song’s impact being overlooked. According to Media Talk Africa, the top 5 spots on the Billboard Top 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All-Time list are occupied by ‘African Queen’ by 2Face, ‘Ojuelegba’ by Wizkid, ‘Nwa Baby’ by Flavour, ‘Calm Down’ by Rema, and ‘Love Nwantiti’ by CKay.
Jaywon’s statements have ignited a debate about the significance of his song in the context of Nigerian music history. While some argue that ‘This Year’ is indeed a landmark track, others have pointed out that the music landscape has evolved significantly since its release, with newer artists pushing the boundaries of Afrobeats.
As the conversation around Jaywon’s claims continues to unfold, one thing is clear: ‘This Year’ remains a beloved and enduring part of Nigerian music culture. Whether or not it has been deliberately copied by other artists is a matter of interpretation, but its impact on the industry is undeniable.
