The new masked man on the block, Adlib The JourneyMan, has refuted claims he is a copycat, trying to be like Bisade Ologunde, better known as Lagbaja.

When Adlib The JourneyMan made his first appearance on Instagram with a masked face. Nigerians attacked him on the platform, claiming he is trying to usurp the legend.

However, the Kwara State-born up and coming star is optimistic that Nigerians will get used to his appearance and the insults will stop.

Speaking in a Saturday Beats report, Adlib The JourneyMan said:

“I expected the backlash I got because of my mask. In the UK, there are many artistes who wear masks to cover their faces. In Nigeria, the only person people know who covers his face is Lagbaja. There is no doubt that the comparison is going to happen. I am not worried because I am not going to stop covering my face, they will get used to it, I am not trying to be like Lagbaja, I don’t sing like him.

“I am very proud of the Yoruba culture and my African origin; I wanted the mask to remind people of African masqueraders. I just wanted to showcase that culture. The advantage of hiding my identity is greater than any obstacle I’ll face. It empowers me and allows me to make the kind of music that I want.”