Acclaimed Nigerian folk singer Segun Akinlolu, better known as Beautiful Nubia has publicly accused gospel musicians Yinka Ayefele and rising artist BBO of lifting the melody of his classic song “Seven Lifes” for their respective tracks without permission or credit.
The drama unfolded this week when Beautiful Nubia took to his X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday to allege that Ayefele’s 2012 hit “My Faith in God (Igbagbo Ireti)” and BBO’s 2026 release “Amin” drew heavily from the core melodic elements of “Seven Lifes”, a song that has been part of his musical legacy since the late 1990s.
Beautiful Nubia’s statement went beyond mere accusatioN, it was a critique of what he perceives as a wider problem in the Nigerian gospel music community’s respect for intellectual property. “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, adding a pointed question about when Nigerian musicians, especially those in the gospel scene, would begin to respect copyright laws.
The reaction to Nubia’s allegation has been swift and varied. Many fans have taken to X and other platforms to show support, emphasizing the importance of artistic ownership and creative credit. Others have urged for a more measured approach, suggesting legal channels should be pursued instead of social media call-outs.
The dispute arrives at a time when copyright issues are gaining prominence in the Nigerian music scene. Critics and observers note that this latest feud isn’t just about two songs; it’s about how the Nigerian music industry balances creative influence with legal and ethical considerations in an era where music travels globally at lightning speed. As this conversation unfolds, many voices are now calling for clearer copyright education and stronger protection mechanisms to ensure that the creators behind influential melodies receive proper acknowledgment and reward.
