Veteran folk artist Segun Akinlolu, widely celebrated as Beautiful Nubia, has leveled serious accusations of copyright infringement against two prominent gospel musicians.
The singer claims that Yinka Ayefele’s 2012 release, “My Faith in God (Igbagbo Ireti),” and BBO’s fresh 2026 hit, “Amin,” both lifted their core melodies from his original 2002 composition, “Seven Lives,” without permission or credit.
Beautiful Nubia, a Toronto-based Nigerian musician and leader of the Roots Renaissance Band, made the allegations public in a scathing post on X (formerly Twitter) on February 19. “There was Yinka Ayefele with ‘My Faith in God (Igbagbo Ireti)’ in 2012, and now someone called BBO with ‘Amin’ this year.
Both stole their melodies from our original song ‘Seven Lives’,” he wrote, expressing frustration over what he sees as a pattern of disregard for originality. The artist, known for his dreadlocks and poignant lyrics blending Yoruba folklore with social commentary, didn’t mince words, adding, “When will Nigerians, especially the so-called gospel musicians, learn to respect copyright?”
The controversy centers on “Seven Lives,” a track from Beautiful Nubia’s early 2000s repertoire that has become a staple in Nigerian folk music circles for its haunting melody and themes of resilience and cultural identity.
Ayefele, a wheelchair-bound gospel powerhouse who rose to fame after a life-altering car accident in 1997, released “Igbagbo Ireti” as part of his inspirational catalog, which often features uplifting Yoruba praise anthems.
The song, translating to “My Faith in God,” was a hit in 2012, resonating with audiences through its rhythmic gospel fusion.
Meanwhile, BBO—whose full name is Bakare Boluwatife Oluwatobi – is a rising star in the gospel arena, blending worship leading, songwriting, and even comedy in his multifaceted career. Hailing from Ibadan, the artist dropped “Amin” (meaning “Amen” in Yoruba) in early January 2026, with a live performance video quickly amassing hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube.
The track, characterized by its fervent call-and-response style and energetic choir backing, has been praised for its spiritual fervor but now faces scrutiny amid these claims. Intriguingly, an old video clip of BBO composing “Amin” eight years ago has resurfaced online, adding fuel to discussions about whether the melody was independently created or inadvertently borrowed.
The accusations have stirred a whirlwind of reactions across social media platforms, with music enthusiasts divided on the issue. Some fans argue that melodic similarities are common in gospel and folk genres, where traditional rhythms often overlap without malicious intent. “But sometimes songs resemble each other, without the intention of piracy,” one commenter noted on a Facebook post.
Others, however, side with Beautiful Nubia, pointing out clear resemblances upon comparison. “This just confirms my thought about those two songs’ melody sounding the same as Seven Lives,” another user shared. The discourse has extended to broader critiques of Nigeria’s music industry, where weak enforcement of copyright laws—governed by the Nigerian Copyright Commission—has long plagued creators.
Past high-profile cases, such as disputes involving Afrobeat legends and sampling controversies, underscore the challenges artists face in protecting their work in a digital age where music spreads rapidly.
Beautiful Nubia, a veterinarian by training who transitioned into full-time music in the late 1990s, has been a vocal advocate for ethical practices in the industry. His discography, spanning over two decades, emphasizes cultural preservation and social justice, earning him a dedicated following both in Nigeria and the diaspora.
In his statement, he urged fellow artists to prioritize originality: “Fellow artists should be more conscious of copyright laws and ensure that their creative works do not infringe on the intellectual property of others.”
As of this morning, neither Ayefele nor BBO has issued a public response to the allegations. Ayefele, who also runs the popular Fresh FM radio station in Ibadan, and BBO, fresh off the success of “Amin,” may address the claims in the coming days.
Industry watchers speculate this could lead to legal action or mediated resolutions through bodies like the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN).
This incident highlights the delicate balance between inspiration and infringement in Nigeria’s eclectic music landscape, where gospel, folk, and contemporary sounds often intersect. As conversations continue to unfold online, it serves as a reminder of the need for stronger protections to foster true creativity.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Veteran Nigerian folk artist Beautiful Nubia has publicly accused gospel musicians Yinka Ayefele and rising star BBO of copying the melody of his 2002 song “Seven Lives” for their tracks “My Faith in God (Igbagbo Ireti)” (2012) and “Amin” (2026), respectively—without permission or credit.
The core issue he wants Nigerians to remember: copyright theft remains rampant in the music industry, especially among some gospel artists, and original creators deserve respect and protection for their work.
