Ice Prince credits MI Abaga for shaping his rap career: “He taught me well”

Ice Prince 

Nigerian rap sensation Ice Prince has opened up about the strong influence MI Abaga had on his journey into hip-hop, revealing that the veteran rapper played a major role in shaping his craft.

Speaking during an interview with content creator Isbaeu on Curiosity Made Me Ask, Ice Prince didn’t hold back in giving MI his flowers, calling him both a mentor and a big brother. 

He reflected on the early days of his career, emphasizing that the knowledge and discipline he gained under MI’s guidance became the foundation for his lyrical abilities.

“I can rap on any beat with any rapper, and I will still stand out. I’m not going to have a wack verse on a song,” he said with confidence. 

“I am not saying other rappers cannot rap, but it cannot be said that I’m wack. I was brought up by the best, shout out to MI Abaga.”

Having spent years working closely with the Crowd Mentality rapper, Ice Prince made it clear that his growth didn’t happen overnight but was built on consistent learning and mentorship.

“I rapped with him for years. He is my big brother, and he taught me well,” he added.

Spyro opens up about career struggles after working with Davido and Mayorkun

Spyro blames Davido and Mayorkun for his career setback

Nigerian Afrobeat singer Spyro has shared a deeply personal story about how a major collaboration he believed would transform his career ended up becoming a source of disappointment.

In a recent interview with HipTV, the singer reflected on his 2018 remix of the song Funke, which featured superstar Davido and hitmaker Mayorkun. 

At the time, Spyro was convinced that the high-profile collaboration would catapult him to greater heights. However, things didn’t go as expected.

“I had a song back then, that I had Davido and Mayorkun on it. I actually thought that my life was about to change,” he said. “The song came out big, and I went back down all of a sudden.”

Despite the initial buzz surrounding the release, Spyro revealed that he soon faced unexpected setbacks.

One of the most painful moments for him was losing touch with the very artists he once worked closely with.

“I sat down and thought about it because how do I go from working with Davido, vibing with Mayorkun and all those guys, and all of a sudden, they no longer even pick your calls anymore,” he shared.

The experience took a toll on him emotionally and financially, especially with the pressure of supporting his family. 

“I would just sit down on my staircase back then and cry... but I had my parents at home that I needed to take care of, and a lot of things were just going wrong,” he added.

Music producer Sarz reveals why he can't work with Davido

 

Sarz

Nigerian super-producer Sarz, known for crafting hits for some of the biggest names in Afrobeat, recently shared why a collaboration with Davido has never happened — and might never happen.

Speaking during an interview with Dotun on Cool FM, Sarz, whose real name is Osabuohien Osaretin, revealed that their creative processes are completely different.

“Davido always likes people around him whenever he’s in the studio, and for me, that’s not how I work,” Sarz explained. 

“I like to work alone with the artist. Maybe that’s why we haven’t worked.”

The hitmaker made it clear there’s no bad blood — he respects Davido’s artistry but prefers a more intimate and focused studio setting. 

That difference in style, he suggests, is likely the reason a collaboration hasn’t materialized.

Davido faces U.S. court summons over alleged song theft and unpaid $45,000 settlement

Davido accused of song theft

Nigerian superstar Davido has found himself at the center of a legal storm in the United States after four Nigerian artists accused him of stealing their original work. 

The United States District Court for the Southern District of New York has ordered the singer, whose real name is David Adeleke, to respond to the allegations within 21 days.

The lawsuit was filed by Martins Chukwuka Emmanuel, Abel Great Umaru, Kelvin Ayodele Campbell, and David Ovhioghena Umaru, who claim that Davido used material from their 2022 song Work in his 2024 release Strawberry on Ice. 

According to legal documents, the plaintiffs initially shared a demo of Work with Davido in early 2022, hoping for a potential collaboration. 

However, they allege that the demo was instead passed on to Sierra Leonean artist Emmerson, who is featured on Strawberry on Ice, and the song was allegedly sampled without their consent.

Also named in the lawsuit are Emmerson Amidu Bockarie (professionally known as Emmerson), Carlos Jenkins, Matthew Quinney, Marques Miles II, and Wynn Records — all of whom are allegedly involved in the distribution or publishing of the disputed track.

The legal complaint details a failed attempt to resolve the matter privately. In March 2025, Davido reportedly agreed to pay $45,000 to the original creators, along with 40% of the composition royalties and 20% of the sound recording rights. 

Despite this agreement, the plaintiffs claim Davido missed the payment deadline, leading to the current legal action.

As of now, Davido has not issued any public response to the summons or the allegations.

7 heartfelt Nigerian songs to celebrate Mother’s Day on Epoh Music

Mother's Day Playlist 

Mother’s Day is a time to honor the incredible women who have shaped our lives with love, sacrifice, and wisdom. What better way to express gratitude than through music? Nigerian artists have delivered some of the most heartfelt songs dedicated to mothers—songs that tell stories of struggle, triumph, and unwavering love.

Here are some of the best Mother’s Day songs to stream on Epoh Music:

1. Duduke – Simi

This soulful hit is a love letter to an unborn child, making it a special song that captures the deep bond between a mother and her child. Duduke is perfect for Mother’s Day, celebrating the joy of motherhood.

2. Sweet as a Mother's Love – Johnny Drille

Johnny Drille delivers a warm, affectionate tribute to mothers with this song, emphasizing the irreplaceable love and comfort that only a mother can provide. The heartfelt lyrics and soothing melody make it a perfect Mother’s Day dedication.

3. So Beautiful – Asa

Asa’s So Beautiful is a heartfelt tribute to her mother, celebrating her strength and grace. The song’s soulful delivery makes it perfect for a Mother’s Day dedication.

4. Oshe Mama – Ric Hassani

Ric Hassani expresses deep appreciation for mothers with Oshe Mama, a song that thanks them for their love and dedication. His smooth vocals combined with heartfelt lyrics make this a powerful tribute to all mothers.

5. Mummy Mi – Wizkid

Wizkid pours his heart out in Mummy Mi, where he celebrates his mother’s unwavering support and sacrifices. This song is a heartfelt dedication to all mothers who go the extra mile for their children.

6. Sweet Mother – Dare Art Alade

Inspired by the legendary hit Sweet Mother by Prince Nico Mbarga, Dare Art Alade’s rendition keeps the classic essence alive while adding a fresh touch. The song is a timeless tribute that expresses gratitude for a mother’s unconditional love and care.

7. Mama – Jaywon

Jaywon’s Mama is an emotional song that highlights the struggles and sacrifices mothers make for their children. With heartfelt lyrics and a soulful melody, this song is a perfect way to show appreciation on Mother’s Day.

Click here to stream for free a playlist curated to celebrate mothers.