Singer Mr Real has publicly accused Afrobeats heavyweight D’banj of exploiting him during their years of collaboration, claiming that after two years under the veteran’s wing, he walked away with a mere $500 and several unfulfilled promises.
Mr Real once served as an ambassador under D’banj’s CREAM label, aligning himself with one of Nigeria’s most influential music figures. Throughout their partnership, Mr Real says he was promised support, financial backing, and even a car, none of which, he claims, ever materialized.
In the interview, Mr Real didn’t mince words:
“D’banj ripped me. No be say allegedly, he did … You can’t be with a man for two years and all you gain is $500. What kind of wickedness and selfishness is that?”
This isn’t the first time Mr Real has leveled criticism against D’banj. Back in 2023, he alleged that the latter failed to honor financial commitments, including withholding proceeds from their 2018 collab “Issa Banger.”
This dispute shines a light on a recurring theme in many music industries: the imbalance between established stars and emerging talent. Promises of mentorship, exposure, and resources are sometimes handed out like lifelines, but when those “lifelines” aren’t fulfilled, the fallout can be bitter and public.
Fans, media and industry insiders are already taking sides. Some sympathize with Mr Real’s brave stand; others caution against hasty judgment without evidence. At the time of the interview’s publication, no public rebuttal from D’Banj had surfaced. Observers will be closely watching if he issues a counterstatement or seeks a private resolution.
