During a recent livestream, Peller’s co-streamer suggested featuring Runtown, but he rejected the idea, stating that he wanted to work with a successful artist. The popular TikToker has since faced heavy criticism on social media after referring to Nigerian Afrobeats star Runtown as an “up-and-coming artist.”
“Wetin be Runtown? That one never blow. We no know am. Give me another person. Who is that? Runtown? Don’t bring upcoming artists on my live video. Na artistes wey don blow well well I want,” he said, visibly frustrated.
His comments quickly sparked backlash, with many accusing him of belittling one of Afrobeats’ most influential sound innovators. Runtown first gained recognition with his 2014 hit “Gallardo” featuring Davido and reached international fame with his 2016 single “Mad Over You.”
Peller has previously featured major artists like Olamide, Tiwa Savage, and Davido on his livestreams.
Following the backlash, Peller publicly apologized for his comments about Runtown, explaining that he was “too young” to even use a phone when the singer’s hits were topping the charts. Speaking during a livestream with Elizabeth Amoudu, Peller said, “When I was hearing Runtown’s music that time, I was too young to even use a phone.”
