Introduction: The Viral Controversy
On August 21, 2024, Nigerian social media was abuzz with a video of veteran singer Friday Igwe, popularly known as Baba Fryo, accusing skit maker-turned-musician Nasboi of using lyrics from his iconic 1994 hit “Denge Pose” without permission in Nasboi’s latest song, “Short Skirt.” The video quickly went viral, sparking debates about copyright infringement in the Nigerian entertainment industry. However, the situation took a surprising turn when it was revealed that the controversy was part of a pre-planned publicity stunt.
The Publicity Stunt: A Pre-Planned Collaboration
The follow-up video revealed that the supposed conflict was a carefully orchestrated collaboration between Baba Fryo and Nasboi. The objective was to create buzz and draw attention to Nasboi’s new song. This type of publicity stunt is becoming increasingly common in the Nigerian entertainment industry, where controversy is often used as a marketing tool to promote new content.
The Power of Nostalgia: Baba Fryo’s Comeback
Nearly 30 years after the release of “Denge Pose,” Baba Fryo’s involvement in this stunt has brought him back into the spotlight. The strategy mirrors how skit maker Brain Jotter revived interest in Mike Ejeagha’s 1983 classic “Gwo Gwo Gwo” through his viral dance videos. For Baba Fryo, this collaboration could signal a musical comeback, leveraging the nostalgia surrounding his classic hit.
Copyright Concerns: A Deeper Issue
In the initial video, Baba Fryo expressed his frustration over what he called “continuous copyright infringement.” He threatened legal action, highlighting the ongoing issue of copyright violations in Nigeria. Under Nigerian copyright law, creators hold exclusive rights to their works, including reproduction and adaptation. However, the law’s enforcement remains weak, often forcing artists to rely on public disputes rather than legal channels to protect their intellectual property.
The Plot Twist: Nasboi’s Strategy
Nasboi’s skit following the initial video revealed the behind-the-scenes planning of the stunt. In the skit, Nasboi discusses with his friend (played by Mc Lively) how getting “dragged” by Baba Fryo for copyright infringement would generate significant attention for his new song. The plan worked, as blogs and news outlets picked up the story, amplifying the reach of Nasboi’s “Short Skirt.”
Nasboi’s Musical Journey: A New Chapter
Nasboi’s transition from skit-making to music has been marked by innovative promotional tactics, as seen in his previous works “Umbrella” (2023) and “Small Money” (2024). In “Short Skirt,” Nasboi samples the disputed “Denge” line twice, from 0:38 to 0:44 and again from 1:25 to 1:28, in the 2-minute, 44-second track. The song, celebrating women’s beauty and featuring references to popular female celebrities, showcases Nasboi’s versatility as an artist.
Baba Fryo: A Return to the Spotlight?
For Baba Fryo, this staged controversy could be a strategic move to re-enter the music scene after years of relative quiet. The follow-up skit suggests that Nasboi’s team might have used the stunt as a way to compensate Baba Fryo, potentially offering him a share of the publicity and earnings from the song. This comes after Baba Fryo’s financial struggles and health concerns in 2020, which led to public appeals for assistance.
Intellectual Property in Nigeria: A Broader Conversation
The Baba Fryo-Nasboi incident brings attention to the broader issue of intellectual property rights in Nigeria. With weak enforcement of copyright laws, many creators find themselves vulnerable to exploitation. This stunt underscores the need for stronger legal protections for artists and a more robust enforcement mechanism to safeguard their work.
Conclusion: A Successful Stunt?
While some fans saw through the publicity stunt, others were entertained by the way the controversy played out. For Nasboi, the strategy successfully generated attention for his music, while Baba Fryo enjoyed a resurgence of interest in his classic hit. However, the situation also highlights the ongoing challenges within the Nigerian entertainment industry, particularly regarding copyright protection.
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Written By Fortune Davidson