The Nigerian music industry is booming today, not because of a new hit song. legendary folk singer Defeat Akinlolucommonly known as beautiful nubiapublicly accused the gospel power, causing an uproar Yinka Eiffel and rising stars them Intellectual property theft!
At the heart of the show is Beautiful Nubia’s timeless 1997 masterpiece, “Seven Lives”.
“Stealing is stealing” – accusation
The veteran musician said without hesitation on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, February 19, 2026. He claimed that both Ayefele and new artist BBO elevated the soul of his songs – the melody – without asking for permission or giving any credit.
“In 2012, Yinka Ayefele sang “Igbagbo Ireti”, and this year someone called BBO “Amin”. Both stole the melody from our original song “Seven Lives”,” he wrote.
He didn’t stop there. Beautiful Nubia took a direct attack on the gospel music industry, asking: “When will Nigerians, especially so-called gospel musicians, learn to respect copyright?”
Eiffel fires back: ‘Internet stunts don’t bother me’
Although BBO has remained silent, Yinka Eiffel has responded, and he’s not losing any sleep over the claims. Speaking to the media, the Fresh FM boss questioned whether anyone can truly “own” a melody or tone on a keyboard.
“Can someone please claim the rights to a melody or lyrics and composition? I will not respond to social media stunts,” Eiffel said he actually dismissed the folklore claims as an attempt to gain attention online.
Why is this a big deal
For those who don’t know, “Seven Lives” Considered one of Nigeria’s greatest ballads. That veterans like Beautiful Nubian are coming forward more than 20 years later to name-drop legends like Ayefir shows a deep anger at how “old school” music is being sampled or copied for free by modern stars.
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💬 Join the debate!
Do you think Eiffel was right when he said “no one has melody”, or should he attribute his inspiration to beautiful Nubia? Leave your comments below!
