Veteran Nigerian gospel musician Segun Akinlolu, widely recognized by his stage name Beautiful Nubia, has publicly accused two artists of copyright infringement, alleging they copied the melody from his original composition, “Seven Lifes.”
In a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Akinlolu specifically named Yinka Ayefele, citing his 2012 track “My Faith in God (Igbagbo Ireti),” and a newer artiste identified only as BBO, referencing his 2024 song “Amin.” He asserted that both melodies were derived from his work without permission. “There was Yinka Ayefele with ‘My Faith in God (Igbagbo Ireti)’ in 2012 and now someone called BBO with ‘Amin’ this year. Both stole their melodies from our original song ‘Seven Lifes,’” he wrote.
Akinlolu, a respected figure known for his culturally rooted storytelling, framed the allegations as part of a persistent issue within the industry. “When will Nigerians, especially the so-called gospel musicians, learn to respect copyright?” he questioned, urging colleagues to prioritize intellectual property awareness and ethical creation.
The accusations have reignited discourse among music listeners and professionals in Nigeria, spotlighting ongoing challenges regarding intellectual property rights and originality within the country’s prolific gospel music sector. His comments underscore concerns about the protection of creative works and the need for greater due diligence among artists.
As of this report, neither Yinka Ayefele nor BBO has issued a public response to the claims. The situation highlights a familiar tension in Nigeria’s music landscape, where debates over melody ownership and credit are recurrent. The outcome of this public allegation may influence broader conversations about establishing clearer standards and respect for copyright within the industry, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding original creative expression.
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