
Nigerian singer Iyanya has responded to accusations that he has switched sides from Wizkid to Davido, a topic that has been brewing in the Nigerian music scene following some of his recent interactions. The music industry, often characterized by intense rivalries, particularly between the fans of two of its biggest stars, Wizkid and Davido, has always seen artists being caught in the crossfire. Iyanya, however, seems determined to clear the air, asserting that he has no personal issues with any artiste in the industry, and that his support for different artists is purely about music and professional respect.
The drama started when a fan took to social media to question Iyanya’s recent affiliations, suggesting that the singer had switched sides from his previous association with Wizkid to now aligning himself with Davido. The fan, clearly puzzled by Iyanya’s actions, wrote, “I thought Wiz was your friend. Am just wondering why you switched sides and turned into a Davido boy.” This comment immediately sparked curiosity, leading to a flurry of speculations about the singer’s personal preferences and his relationships with the two industry giants.
Iyanya, who has had a long-standing presence in the Nigerian music scene, was quick to respond with a direct and no-nonsense reply. Taking to Twitter, he addressed the accusation head-on, making it clear that he does not harbor any negative feelings toward any artist. “I don’t have an issue with any artiste,” he stated in his tweet, before offering a more detailed explanation of his musical choices. The singer explained that he plays the songs of various artists, including Wizkid, without any biases or allegiance to any particular camp. “I played Wizkid’s Made in Lagos and Maroya, the same way I play every other artiste’s songs,” Iyanya explained, emphasizing that his focus is on the music itself, not the drama that often surrounds artists.
In his response, Iyanya took it a step further by reflecting on the importance of understanding the music industry from a broader perspective. He pointed out that it’s not uncommon for artists to listen to and support each other’s music, even if they are from different camps. “Most artists will not say this, but artistes are the first to listen to other artists’ projects when they drop,” he continued. He added that it is part of their job to stay in tune with the latest sounds in the industry, as this helps them stay relevant and understand what’s happening in the game.
Interestingly, Iyanya also brought up his personal experience with other rising stars, mentioning how he has supported and played the music of lesser-known artists before they hit mainstream success. He shared his admiration for artists like Fireboy DML and Joeboy, saying, “I was playing Fola’s songs before he had a big song, that’s cos @ubifranklin1 loves listening to a lot of new artists and he will always introduce me to their sound.” He went on to mention that he had also supported Fireboy’s “Adedamola” album and Joeboy’s “Viva Lavida” album, stressing that he has no issues with any artist and doesn’t participate in any petty rivalries.
One of the key points Iyanya made in his response was his firm stance on the notion of “friendship” and “enemy” within the music industry. He emphasized that the idea of choosing sides is something created by fans and not the artists themselves. “Na una fans dey try dey push agenda wey no dey,” he said, making it clear that fans sometimes create unnecessary drama by projecting their own opinions and preferences onto the artists. According to Iyanya, the reality of the music industry is far less dramatic. Artists, he says, are all part of the same industry, and their main focus is on their craft, not on forming alliances or engaging in rivalries.
In his tweet, Iyanya also touched on his recent interaction with Burna Boy, another major figure in the Nigerian music scene. “Me and Burna still see for club 3 weeks ago and we vibe well,” he mentioned, reinforcing his point that despite any perceived rivalries, artists in the industry can still maintain good relationships and have mutual respect for each other. This part of his response was particularly notable, as it highlighted that even the most publicized feuds in the Nigerian music industry, such as the one between Burna Boy and Davido or between Wizkid and Davido, should not be seen as the defining factor in how artists relate to each other on a personal level.
Iyanya’s comments struck a chord with many fans and industry insiders who have often wondered whether the intense rivalry between Wizkid and Davido is something that affects other artists. The perception that artists must choose sides in this rivalry has often led to tensions and misunderstandings, with fans holding artists accountable for their associations. However, Iyanya’s response is a clear reminder that the world of music is not as simple as picking one side over the other. For many artists, it’s about mutual respect and the love of the art, rather than engaging in trivial fan-driven battles.
The singer’s words also shed light on the complicated relationship between artists and their fans. While fans often have strong opinions about who their favorite artists should collaborate with or support, it is important to remember that the relationships between artists are multifaceted and often go beyond the superficial narratives that fans create. Iyanya’s open response serves as an important reminder that artists, despite their fame and success, are still human beings who value professionalism and creative expression over fan-driven agendas.
Iyanya’s response has also sparked conversations about the role of fans in shaping the dynamics of the Nigerian music industry. While artists are free to collaborate with anyone, regardless of their previous affiliations, fans often create divisions that don’t necessarily exist. This can sometimes put artists in difficult positions, as they feel pressured to conform to the expectations of their fanbase, even if it means distancing themselves from certain individuals.
In conclusion, Iyanya’s tweet is a breath of fresh air in an industry where drama and rivalry often overshadow the music itself. His message of unity, respect, and professionalism is a reminder that artists, regardless of their affiliations or personal relationships, should be able to support each other’s work without fear of being judged or criticized. As the debate continues to simmer, it’s clear that Iyanya’s stance will resonate with many, offering a perspective that values the music over the noise. For now, the artist has made it clear: no sides, no enemies—just music.