Fans of hip-hop singer, Olamide Adedeji, popularly called, Olamide Baddo, and versatile producer, Michael Ajereh, better known as Don Jazzy, have taken on one another on Twitter over the rift between the duo at the 10th edition of the Headies held in Lagos on Friday night.
A clash between Olamide of the YBNL label and ace music producer and Mavins Record boss, Don Jazzy, over the ‘Next Rated Artiste’ award at the annual event in the early hours of Saturday had left many in the music industry and their fans shocked.
The relationship between both label heads turned sour when Headies named Mavins Record starlet, Reekado Banks, as the winner of the coveted Next Rated Artist category, which came with a Hyundai Sports Utility Vehicle prize.
Olamide’s protégé, Lil Kesh, was also a nominee in the same category.
Olamide had openly expressed his anger at the decision when he accompanied another YBNL act, Adekunle Gold, who won the award for ‘Best Alternative Artiste,’ to receive the award.
The YBNL boss, after Adekunle Gold made his remarks, took the microphone and said, “He (Lil Kesh) is our next rated artiste. He had back-to-back hits throughout the year—Lyrically, ‘Shoki,’ ‘Gbese’ and ‘Efejoku.’ Ko nii da fun iya everybody (an insulting Yoruba street slang).” He then threw away the microphone while storming off the stage.
The tensed situation became worse when Don Jazzy, apparently feeling slighted, told Olamide to come and take the car, which went with the ‘Next Rated’ award, if he wanted it.
After receiving the Special Recognition Award presented by the Chairman of the Copyright Society of Nigeria, Mr. Tony Okoroji, Don Jazzy said, “I came out here to support my children. As they were trying to present the award, Reekado Banks was performing at Ali Baba’s show. I have already told my children that I will buy cars for all of them… Egbon Olamide, if you want the car, come and collect it.”
This comment from Don Jazzy had enraged the YBNL boss, who took to his Twitter handle to insult his Marvin Records counterpart, warning him to stay away from Lagos Mainland.
He condemned the Mavins Record boss for mentioning his name when he didn’t mention his (Don Jazzy’s) name in his protest on the stage.
Among other unprintable words, Olamide accused Don Jazzy of ruining the career of his former label mate, DBanj and oppressing artistes signed to his record label.
Among other tweets, he said, “You respect me, I respect you; disrespect me, I disrespect YOU. You’re still going to do the same thing to Reekado when he leaves your label.”
The development caused a division among fans of the two artistes on Twitter.
Tweeting at @Its_Hoe_K, a fan said Don jazzy could have made his point without calling Olamide’s name while on the stage.
The fan said, ‘‘He (Don Jazzy) can, but in a smart way like Olamide play games with his response and not call out Olamide.’’
Another fan, Tunde @KobokoGCFR, tweeted, ‘‘As long as Olamide didn’t mention Don Jazzy’s name! I will support him on this 1001001000. Olamide you are the mvp #TheHeadies2015.’’
Also, tweeting from the handle, @tweetgerian, a fan stated, ‘I have serious issues with the name calling…why call out Olamide? … Childish something!’’
For a fan who tweeted via @abatike, ‘‘Olamide threw shades at the organisers not even Don Jazzy.’’
A fan of Don Jazzy, Oluwachima tweeted@chicent78 thus ‘‘@olamide_YBNL Guys am a big big fan but was really disappointed as I couldn’t differentiate between you and agbero at oshodi. Damn.’’
However, Olamide later took to his Instagram page to apologise to his fans for his conduct at the event.
He said, “I want to apologise for my conduct, including swearing on live TV at the Headies event some hours ago. I recognise that you all are the most important part of my work and my journey so far and would not have come this far without you. Therefore, you deserve better from me. I promise to conduct myself in a more respectable manner in future.”
Lil Kesh had also taken to his Twitter handle to boast that he makes more than the SUV in two weeks.
He later tweeted, “Congrats on your Next Rated Award @ReekadoBanks. This will not be the end for the both of us. More blessings and money. Nothing but love #REEKY”
Both Olamide and Don Jazzy had collaborated on the song ‘Skelemba’ in the YBNL boss’ November 2014 album, Street OT, giving the impression that the two were friends.
