Nigerian talent manager Ubi Franklin has publicly criticized music producer Samklef for mocking Davido’s recent Grammy loss. At the 67th Grammy Awards held on February 2, 2025, in Los Angeles, Davido was nominated for the Best African Music Performance category but lost to Tems. Following this, Samklef took to social media to ridicule Davido, suggesting that if he had won, the internet would have been abuzz and implying that the Grammy Awards cannot be influenced by money, emphasizing that true talent prevails.
In response, Ubi Franklin expressed his disapproval of Samklef’s comments. He pointed out that Davido is not the first artist to receive multiple nominations without securing a win, citing Chris Brown’s history of 25 nominations before winning two awards. Franklin urged Samklef to cease his disrespectful remarks towards Davido and emphasized that other artists like Burna Boy and Wizkid are likely unbothered by the Grammy outcomes. He also mentioned that he had previously spoken to Samklef privately about this behavior and felt compelled to address it publicly due to its recurrence.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions within the Nigerian music industry, where public figures often engage in disputes over achievements and recognition. It’s noteworthy that in August 2024, Samklef claimed that Ubi Franklin had reached out to him, urging him to forgive Davido amidst their longstanding feud. Samklef stated that he had decided to move on from the conflict after their discussion.
Despite the criticisms, Davido has maintained a positive outlook. He recently congratulated Tems on her Grammy win, demonstrating sportsmanship and support for his peers in the industry.
The Nigerian music scene continues to be dynamic, with artists achieving international recognition and accolades. While competition is inherent, industry stakeholders often emphasize unity and mutual support to further elevate Afrobeat and other genres on the global stage.
In conclusion, Ubi Franklin’s public admonishment of Samklef underscores the importance of respect and camaraderie among artists and industry professionals. As Nigerian music continues to gain prominence worldwide, fostering a culture of support and constructive criticism will be crucial for sustained growth and success.