Davido reacts as producer Napji calls him out over unpaid royalties

Afrobeats superstar Davido and record producer Napji are at odds as Napji claims credit for producing Davido's hit song Fem, sparking escalating tensions between them.

The drama unfolded online after Napji took to social media to publicly claim outstanding royalties and publishing rights for three songs on Davido's discography.

Napji, identifying himself as the producer behind Fem, Jowo, and Sunlight, stated he received an advance of 500,000 naira (approximately $1,150 USD) for each song. All listed songs are off Davido's A Better Time Album. He further threatened to release "more information" as he pursues the collection of royalties and publishing rights.

Napji said, “I am Napji, producer behind Fem, Jowo, and Sunlight on @davido album (A better time). Which was released 13th November 2020. I was paid an advance of 500 thousand naira for each of the songs. I will be releasing more information as I seek to collect my royalties & publishing".

Davido's response was swift and dismissive. In a tweet, he simply replied, "Ur papa" (a vulgar Yoruba phrase loosely translating to "your father"). This response has drawn criticism for its lack of professionalism and has left fans divided.

Some fans are siding with Napji, arguing that artists should be responsible for fairly compensating their collaborators. Other fans are defending Davido, suggesting the initial payment constitutes a standard advance and that further details of the agreement are unknown.

Ur papa https://t.co/8C1VyzXbRO

— Davido (@davido) April 23, 2024