Samklef Blames Davido for Toxicity in Nigerian Music Industry

Samklef accuses Davido of fostering rivalry and toxicity in Nigerian music, claiming the industry was once free of comparison and conflict.

Record producer Samklef has accused singer Davido of fostering toxicity and rivalry in the Nigerian music industry, following a tweet by producer-turned-singer Pheelz expressing concern about competition and comparisons in the sector.

Also read: Samklef Reveals How Wizkid’s “Tease Me” Was Created

Pheelz wrote, “Music was meant to be enjoyed, not to be compared. This comparison game is hurting the sound and culture more than we can ever know.”

Responding, Samklef claimed that the Nigerian music scene was once characterised by mutual respect and camaraderie when stars such as Wizkid and Olamide dominated the industry.

He argued that the entry of Davido introduced toxicity, cult-like behaviour, threats, and manipulations including streaming fraud.

“Music was fun when we started. When Wizkid came, there was no comparison—everything was pure love. Olamide came too, same thing. No pressure, no hatred, just music. Then one Scorpio boy who moves like Diddy… Davido entered, and since then the industry turned toxic. Cultist mindset, threats, fake streams, dirty moves everywhere,” Samklef wrote on X.

The producer’s statement has sparked mixed reactions online, with many critics accusing him of unfairly placing blame solely on Davido for perceived declines in the music industry’s culture.

Also read: Samklef Denies WhatsApp Allegation

Davido has yet to respond publicly to the allegations.