Popular Nigerian folk musician Beautiful Nubia has accused gospel artists Yinka Ayefele and the emerging singer BBO of allegedly lifting the melody of his 1997 hit Seven Lifes without authorization or acknowledgment.
The allegations were made public on Thursday through Beautiful Nubia’s X account, where he expressed frustration over what he described as a recurring pattern among some Nigerian musicians, particularly in the gospel scene.
In his post, the folk singer, born Segun Akinlolu, cited Yinka Ayefele’s 2012 track My Faith in God (Igbagbo Ireti) and BBO’s 2026 release Amin as examples of songs that, he claims, “drew heavily from the core melody” of his classic. “There was Yinka Ayefele with ‘My Faith in God (Igbagbo Ireti)’ in 2012 and now someone called BBO with ‘Amin’ this year. Both stole their melodies from our original song ‘Seven Lifes’,” he wrote.
Beautiful Nubia also raised broader concerns about intellectual property practices within the Nigerian music industry. “When will Nigerians (especially the so-called gospel musicians) learn to respect copyright?” he questioned, highlighting the need for greater awareness and adherence to copyright laws.
At the time of this report, neither Yinka Ayefele nor BBO had publicly responded to the claims.
There was Yinka Ayefele with "My Faith in God (Igbagbo Ireti)" in 2012 and now someone called BBO with "Amin" this year. Both stole their melodies from our original song "Seven Lifes". When will Nigerians (especially the so-called gospel musicians) learn to respect copyright?
— Beautiful Nubia (@Beautiful_Nubia) February 19, 2026