Blackface: No artist denied stealing my songs

Nigerian singer, Blackface, has strongly refuted the idea that his accusations against fellow artists for stealing his songs are made in jest.

In a candid interview, the artist made it clear that his claims are not baseless, stressing that none of the accused have ever denied the allegations.

Admiration turned misplaced

Blackface, known for his hit songs and a prominent member of the defunct group Plantashun Boiz, pointed out that many of his colleagues admire his musical style.

However, he added that their admiration is misplaced when they fail to properly credit him for his work. According to the singer, this failure to give credit goes beyond admiration—it’s a violation of intellectual property rights.

‘Jacking’ vibes: An act of copying

In his recent interview with TVC, Blackface explained that many artists “jack” or copy his songs because they appreciate his musical style and creativity. “People jack my vibes. They love them,” he said, acknowledging that the admiration is genuine.

He further added, “It’s not their fault. If I wasn’t me, I’d be jacking me too.” Despite the admiration, Blackface stressed that the act of using someone’s work without permission is wrong.

Intellectual property: A registered work

Blackface’s comments shed light on a larger issue of intellectual property theft in the Nigerian music industry. He emphasized that once an artist releases a song, it becomes a published work that is registered.

In his view, any use of his songs by others, whether intentional or not, should be accompanied by proper recognition and credit.

He stated, “All my songs are being jacked because when you release a song, it becomes a published work. The songs are all registered. There’s no song that’s released that’s not registered. Once it’s in the public domain, it’s a published work.”

Blackface further elaborated on how the act of copying a song without consent could lead to legal and ethical consequences. According to him, the core issue is not whether there is tangible proof but the inherent wrongness of the action.

Nigerian Singer Blackface. [Photo Credit: Google]

The real issue: Wrongful actions

“It’s not about whether I’ve viable proof or not. The truth is that the action is wrong,” he stated emphatically.

He went on to share his frustration over the lack of acknowledgment from Nigerian artists who have copied his songs. “So many Nigerian artists have jacked my songs. And these people I’ve complained about have never for once denied it,” he said.

Silence speaks volumes

This ongoing issue, Blackface argued, further demonstrates the validity of his claims. He believes that if there were no truth to his accusations, these artists would have defended themselves, but instead, they remain silent.

According to him, this silence speaks volumes and should be enough for the public to recognize that there’s some truth in his allegations.

Intellectual property in the Nigerian music industry

Blackface’s statement highlights a broader conversation about the protection of intellectual property in the Nigerian music industry.

While many artists in the country have gained international recognition, the lack of clear regulations surrounding music copyright remains a persistent problem.

For years, Nigerian artists have struggled with issues of plagiarism, often facing challenges in proving their ownership of original work.

Blackface’s ongoing fight for credit

As the debate continues, Blackface’s case serves as an example of the challenges artists face when it comes to safeguarding their creative output. The music industry, like many others, relies heavily on the originality of its creators, and any infringement can have long-lasting effects on an artist’s career.

Despite the challenges, Blackface remains undeterred in his efforts to speak out against these practices.

He believes that Nigerian artists must be held accountable for their actions, as this will lead to a more transparent and fair industry for everyone involved.

“You people would have seen that there’s an iota of truth in what Blackface is saying,” he concluded, calling on both artists and the public to take his claims seriously.

A call for change in the industry

As the conversation around intellectual property theft continues to evolve, Blackface’s willingness to stand up for his rights may serve as a catalyst for change.

With more artists voicing concerns about unfair practices, it may be only a matter of time before the industry takes greater strides toward protecting the work of its creators.

In the meantime, Blackface’s message is clear: respecting the work of others and giving credit where it’s due is fundamental to a thriving and ethical music industry.