Nigerian singer and songwriter, Olawale Ọlọfọrọ, popularly known as Brymo, has stirred up fresh controversy in the music industry after criticizing A-list stars such as Burna Boy, Davido, and others for what he described as the exploitative use of remixes.
The outspoken singer alleged that many top-tier artists often jump on trending songs by emerging talents, not to elevate them but rather to “leech off their buzz” and remain relevant in the fast-paced music industry.
Taking to his Instagram story, Brymo warned mainstream stars to desist from what he called a “vile” practice.
According to him, while the industry portrays such remixes as collaborations to give younger acts more visibility, the reality is that these features usually overshadow the newcomers, leaving them with little room to develop their originality and identity.
“Dear Nigerian mainstream ‘A-listers’ — Burna Boy, Davido and Co — stop jumping on every hit song in a remix, especially releases by newer acts,” Brymo wrote.
“Let other artistes find their own way. The pretending to be helping them reach higher is a ridiculous watch. Stop seeking relevance in the efforts of ones who know little about the business. It’s vile!”
Brymo’s comments come amid long-standing tensions between him and some of Nigeria’s biggest music exports.
Over the years, he has clashed with Burna Boy over songwriting credits and with Davido regarding what he termed “manufactured stardom.”
His latest remarks further highlight his growing disapproval of how mainstream Afrobeats operates.
In recent years, several chart-topping songs by emerging acts have gained remix versions featuring established stars, including collaborations that went viral both in Nigeria and internationally.
While fans often celebrate these remixes, critics argue that they sometimes strip the original songs of their authenticity and redirect attention to the bigger name rather than the rising star.
Brymo’s criticism also raises broader questions about the power dynamics in Afrobeats.
Some industry observers believe that while remixes can help young acts break into larger markets, they also risk pigeonholing them into the shadows of their more famous collaborators.
Others argue that remixes have been a global practice in music for decades, citing examples from hip-hop, pop, and reggae where emerging acts gained global exposure through such partnerships.
Brymo’s outburst has since triggered mixed reactions on social media.
While some fans agree that A-list artists should allow younger talents to grow independently, others believe Brymo’s statement stems from personal grievances rather than an objective industry analysis.
Regardless of the divide, one thing is certain: Brymo has once again sparked a debate that forces the Nigerian music industry to examine how power, fame, and originality intersect in the booming Afrobeats scene.