Nigerian music star Beautiful Nubia has raised concerns over what he describes as recurring copyright violations in the country’s gospel music space, calling for greater respect for intellectual property rights.
The folk and roots performer took to X (formerly Twitter) to question what he sees as a pattern of melody appropriation involving his song Seven Lifes. According to him, two gospel recordings released years apart bear striking resemblance to his original composition.
Among the songs he referenced is My Faith in God (Igbagbo Ireti) by Yinka Ayefele, a 2012 release that received wide airplay, particularly across south-west Nigeria. Nubia also pointed to a more recent track, Amin, by gospel act BBO, alleging that both works drew heavily from the melodic structure of Seven Lifes.
Rather than announcing legal action, Nubia’s comments focused on what he described as a broader cultural issue within the industry. He questioned when musicians—especially those in the gospel genre—would begin to prioritise originality and proper licensing of creative works.
Seven Lifes, part of Nubia’s catalogue known for blending Yoruba folk traditions with social commentary, predates the two songs he mentioned. His music style typically combines indigenous instrumentation with contemporary arrangements, a fusion that has earned him a loyal following over the years.
As of the time of reporting, neither Ayefele nor BBO had issued public statements addressing the allegation, and there is no indication that formal legal proceedings have commenced.
Copyright disagreements are a recurring feature of Nigeria’s evolving music landscape, particularly in genres rooted in traditional sounds where melodic similarities can sometimes blur the line between inspiration and infringement. Under Nigeria’s Copyright Act, musical works are protected against unauthorised reproduction or adaptation, with disputes often resolved through litigation, arbitration, or private settlement.
For now, the matter remains a public exchange, highlighting ongoing conversations about originality, artistic influence, and intellectual property enforcement within the Nigerian music industry.