Inspiration to compose and make music can be from any source. Many Nigerian popular songs are inspired by the desire for wealth and fame.

Some others are inspired by love, drugs, sex and poverty. There are also socially conscious, with lyrics obviously inspired by on going situations in the country’s social scene. Yet there are some songs that are targeted at insulting other musicians as a result of either on-stage or off-stage personal disagreements. Such songs are called “diss songs” (from disrespect) or rap battle in the rap genre.

There are a so many of such songs in the Nigerian music industry right from its inception. Here are some examples we have selected.

1. Ruggedman vs 9ice

In 2010, a dirty war broke out between rapper, Michael Stephens aka Ruggedman and Abolore Adigun aka 9ice. The cause was a rumored romance between Ruggedman and Toni Payne, 9ice’s wife.

The fight was fueled with a single released by 9ice, titled Once Bitten twice shy.

Two songs that came out of that fight was “Talk I am listening”  by 9ice and “A word is enough” by Ruggdman. It is unknown if the fight has been resolved.

 

Terry G vs Mallam Spicey

Towards the end of year 2009, Gabriel Oche Amayi, aka Terry G dropped a hit titled “Free Madness”. In that very playful freestyle track, Terry G took a shot at Mallam Spicey (real name Micheal Tari-Davies ) with just one line.

” Me I no be mallam spicey, me I no dey stop for the fourth bar, over,” Terry G rapped.

But Mallam Spicey in a swift response and with the same Terry G’s beat replied with a full track saying Terry G uses fake jewelries.
Terry G’s “Free madness” was not inspired by beef, but Mallam Spicey’s “Free cure was”.

3. Nico Gravity vs Timaya

For 9ice/Ruggedman and Terry G/Mallam Spicey beefs, there were real provocations. But for the Nico Gravity vs Timaya fight, the provocation was more perceived than real. Nico Gravity, real name: Paul Nnamdi Okpara attacked Timaya with the accusation that the militant-turned-musician was too proud and arrogant.

In the tracks titled “Scata Timaya” seasons one and two, Nico Gravity condemned Timaya as a small boy who sings with every little success he makes. In the season two, Gravity listed the blunders committed by Timaya including several street fights involving the Bayelsa born musician. The tracks remain among the most comic diss tracks ever made in Nigeria. Through all the controversy generated by the songs, Timaya remained mum.

Season one

Season two