Samklef Claims Davido Brough Toxicity to Music Scene

Record producer Samklef has ignited a firestorm of controversy by accusing global Afrobeats star Davido of pioneering a culture of toxicity and rivalry within the Nigerian music industry. The outspoken producer made the bold claims while responding to a social media post by fellow producer-turned-singer Pheelz, who had expressed deep concern over the prevailing atmosphere of comparison and hostility among artists.

The debate began when Pheelz took to his X account to lament the “comparison game,” arguing that the constant pitting of artists against each other is “hurting the sound and culture more than we can ever know.” While Pheelz’s message was a general call for unity and the pure enjoyment of music, Samklef used the opportunity to pinpoint a specific origin for the shift in the industry’s mood.

According to Samklef, the Nigerian music scene enjoyed an era of “pure love” and mutual respect when the likes of Wizkid and Olamide first rose to stardom. He argued that during the early 2010s, there was no undue pressure or hatred between the young stars. However, Samklef claims this dynamic changed dramatically upon the entry of Davido, whom he mockingly referred to as a “Scorpio boy who moves like Diddy.”

The producer alleged that Davido’s rise to prominence ushered in a “cultist mindset,” marked by threats, “dirty moves,” and the introduction of “fake streams” to inflate commercial success. Samklef contended that the industry, which he remembers as being “fun” and collaborative, has since devolved into a “rivalry ground” where toxic competition overshadows the art itself.

His submissions have sparked a polarized reaction across social media platforms. While some users echoed his sentiments regarding the aggressive nature of modern fanbases and artist entourages, many others criticized Samklef for singling out Davido. Critics of the producer’s stance argued that rivalry has always been a part of music history and that it is unfair to blame one individual for broader industry trends or the behavior of overzealous fans.

As of Tuesday morning, Davido has not officially responded to the allegations. The “Timeless” singer, who has often been at the center of the “Big 3” rivalry alongside Wizkid and Burna Boy, typically maintains a focus on his global tours and philanthropic efforts despite recurring social media friction.