Nigerian rapper Speed Darlington, also known as Akpi, has spoken out following his release from police custody after a dispute involving Burna Boy.

The rapper, known for his controversial statements, was recently arrested after making comments questioning the legitimacy of Burna Boy’s Grammy win and drawing a connection between the Nigerian star and American music mogul Diddy.

Darlington had previously released a video suggesting that Burna Boy’s Grammy award might not be as genuine as it seemed, sparking a feud.

The comments apparently caught the attention of Burna Boy, leading to the rapper’s arrest on charges related to defamation.

In a defiant video after his release, Speed Darlington made it clear that the situation hadn’t shaken him.

He confidently boasted about how challenging it would be for anyone to bring him down.

In the video, he mockingly addressed Burna Boy, saying, “It takes 30 million to carry me.”

He also expressed how he was unfazed by his time in custody, recounting his experience with both the EFCC and DSS.

According to Darlington, the EFCC provided him with a bed, while the DSS took care of his meals.

He added, “I’ve survived ground zero. What more can you do to me? If I go missing, it’s you. But if you go missing, it’s not me.”

In the video’s caption, Darlington reaffirmed his stance as a major figure, writing, “Big fish; it takes 30 million to carry me,” doubling down on his bold claims and seemingly throwing more shade at Burna Boy.

This isn’t the first time Speed Darlington has found himself embroiled in controversies, as he has built a reputation for his outspoken and unfiltered opinions on various Nigerian celebrities and public figures.

His ongoing feud with Burna Boy continues to attract attention, with fans and followers keenly watching to see how it all unfolds.

Nigerian singer Dammy Krane recently criticized internet personality Verydarkman (VDM), who was ordered by the court to retract defamatory statements against the Falana family. On October 15, 2024, Krane took to Instagram, claiming that VDM did not properly support him when advocating for him in an earlier case. Back in August 2024, VDM had publicly called for Krane’s release after Davido reportedly had him arrested.

In the video, Krane said, “I believe God is using the Falana case to show VDM that he didn’t treat me fairly. If it was someone else, he would have reviewed the evidence.” Krane accused VDM of favoritism, saying that he didn’t properly investigate his claim that Davido owed him money for songs. Krane added, “VDM didn’t look into the evidence. Even in the Dangote case, I only repeated what the police said, but VDM didn’t check before speaking.”

Krane also accused VDM of “selective activism” based on personal bias. He said, “VDM wanted me to apologize and admit I lied, but I couldn’t apologize for telling the truth when there was no evidence against me. If I had apologized, they would have used it in court.” Krane compared this to VDM’s current situation, where after apologizing, he now faces a ₦500 million lawsuit.

Nigerian Afrobeat artist Oxlade recently expressed that he feels more appreciated by fans in Ghana compared to those in his home country, Nigeria.

During an interview, the singer discussed the overwhelming support he’s received from the Ghanaian audience and why he chose to collaborate with Ghanaian hip-hop icon Sarkodie on his debut album, “Oxlade from Africa.”

Oxlade explained that the decision to feature Sarkodie, who is celebrated as one of the most influential artists in African hip-hop, was a natural choice due to the strong connection he has with Ghana and its music scene.

Sarkodie’s vast influence and artistry, according to Oxlade, made him the perfect fit for the project.

The Afrobeat star emphasized the sense of community and warmth he feels from Ghanaian fans, which has encouraged him to explore more collaborations in the country’s music industry.

Oxlade also addressed some of his previous posts on X (formerly Twitter), where he alluded to issues he was facing with certain “OGs” in the Nigerian music industry.

The posts stirred discussions online, with fans speculating about who the “OGs” might be and what had led to his frustrations.

Clarifying these remarks, Oxlade shared that the posts were rooted in his dissatisfaction with how certain established figures in the Nigerian music scene attempt to control or influence younger artists’ careers.

“I don’t like the idea of people trying to play god with your life and career,” he explained.

“Some individuals in the industry think they can dictate your success or failure, and it’s frustrating.

Sometimes they feel I’m not respectful enough when I meet them, which becomes an issue.”

This sentiment reflects a broader challenge many young artists face in Nigeria’s highly competitive and sometimes rigid entertainment industry.

Despite his global success and growing fanbase, Oxlade has expressed a desire for a healthier and more supportive environment for emerging talent in Nigeria.

He believes that the industry needs to move away from gatekeeping behaviors and focus on fostering collaboration and growth.

Despite these frustrations, Oxlade remains committed to his craft and continues to push boundaries with his music.

His collaboration with Sarkodie on his debut album is just one of many steps he’s taking to strengthen his presence in the African music scene, with plans to further expand his audience across the continent.

The singer hopes that by bridging gaps between different African countries through music, he can contribute to a more unified and thriving African sound.

Oxlade’s journey reflects the complexities of navigating fame and success in Nigeria while building connections across borders.

His appreciation for Ghana’s support, coupled with his desire to see a more collaborative Nigerian music industry, highlights the evolving nature of Afrobeat and African music as a whole.