Nigerian music artist Okafor Uchenna Victor, known professionally as Mr Real, has raised concerns about the prevalence of intellectual property theft in the Nigerian music industry. In a recent interview with Hip TV, Mr Real expressed his views on the lack of originality in Afrobeats, stating that many songs and ideas within the genre have been stolen.

According to Mr Real, upcoming artists are disproportionately affected by intellectual property theft, as they often lack the support and resources to raise awareness about the issue and seek justice. He also pointed out that even established artists, such as Blackface, who have been vocal about song theft, have been accused of using other artists’ intellectual properties without permission in the past.

Mr Real’s comments come amid allegations that popular artist Rema stole a song from his colleague Omah Lay. While Mr Real did not confirm the allegations, he suggested that it is possible for artists to steal each other’s work due to the nature of the music industry. He emphasized that the lack of originality in Afrobeats is a significant problem, with many artists copying each other’s ideas without permission.

The issue of intellectual property theft is not new in the Nigerian music industry, with many artists having spoken out about the problem in recent years. Mr Real’s comments highlight the need for greater awareness and protection of artists’ rights, particularly for upcoming artists who may be more vulnerable to exploitation. As the Nigerian music industry continues to grow and gain international recognition, it is essential to address issues of intellectual property theft and promote a culture of originality and respect for artists’ rights.

The Nigerian music industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, with Afrobeats gaining popularity globally. However, the industry’s success has also brought attention to issues such as intellectual property theft, which can have serious consequences for artists and the industry as a whole. By speaking out about these issues, artists like Mr Real can help raise awareness and promote change, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and equitable music industry.