Afrobeats Lacks Originality, Song Theft Rampant — Mr Real Blasts Industry

Nigerian singer Okafor Uchenna Victor, popularly known as Mr Real, has criticised the Nigerian music industry, claiming that Afrobeats has lost its originality and is plagued by widespread intellectual property theft.

Speaking in a recent interview with Hip TV, the Legbegbe crooner alleged that many Afrobeats hits are copied from other artists’ ideas without credit, adding that song theft has become a disturbing trend in the industry.

“Afrobeats no get original songs,” he said. “Even the one shouting ‘they stole my song’ don still copy person own. Stealing of songs happens more between upcoming artists and top artistes, but the upcoming ones no get fans to speak for them.”

Mr Real lamented that upcoming artists are often the biggest victims of intellectual property theft but rarely get justice due to lack of influence and support.

He also took a swipe at veteran singer Blackface, who has frequently accused other artists of copying his work, alleging that even he has used other people’s creative ideas in the past.

Addressing the recent claims that Rema may have stolen fellow artist Omah Lay’s song idea, Mr Real suggested it was entirely possible given the “cutthroat” nature of the Nigerian music scene.

“Blackface dey always complain say dem steal him song. Even Rema fit steal Omah Lay song. You see idea wey bad, if you no sharp, omo boys go run am. No time,” he said in Pidgin.

Mr Real’s comments have reignited debates about the authenticity of Afrobeats and the need for stronger copyright protection in Nigeria’s fast-growing music industry — one that has produced global stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido.