Samklef made the remarks while responding to a tweet by fellow producer-turned-singer Pheelz, who had lamented the growing culture of comparisons and rivalry in Nigerian music. Pheelz wrote: “Music was meant to be enjoyed, not to be compared. This comparison game is hurting the sound and culture more than we can ever know.”
In reaction, Samklef claimed that there was mutual respect and camaraderie in the industry during the eras of Wizkid and Olamide. He argued that the arrival of Davido marked a shift toward a “toxic” environment characterized by what he described as a “cultist mindset,” threats, and streaming fraud.
“Music was fun when we started. When Wizkid came, there was no comparison—everything was pure love. Olamide came too, same thing. No pressure, no hatred, just music,” Samklef wrote. “Then one Scorpio boy who moves like Diddy… Davido entered, and since then the industry turned toxic. Cultist mindset, threats, fake streams, dirty moves everywhere.”
His comments drew strong reactions on social media, with many users criticizing him for singling out Davido as the cause of problems in the music scene. Others engaged in broader debates about competitiveness and rivalry among Nigerian artists, noting that the industry’s dynamics are influenced by multiple factors, including fan culture, social media, and business interests.
Davido has not yet responded to Samklef’s allegations, leaving fans and industry observers speculating about whether the singer will address the claims publicly.