Veteran singer Konga alleges Burna Boy sampled his song ‘Update’ without permission, demanding rightful royalties for his contribution
Veteran Nigerian singer Konga has accused Afrobeats star Damini Ogulu, professionally known as Burna Boy, of sampling his song ‘Update’ without authorisation, claiming he deserves 60 per cent of the record’s earnings.
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Speaking on the Hits Don’t Lie podcast, Konga said he reached out to Burna Boy months ago but received no response.
He contrasted this with Burna Boy’s arrangement with American singer Toni Braxton, who reportedly received 60 per cent of royalties from the 2022 hit Last Last for her sampled song He Wasn’t Man Enough.
“If Toni Braxton is having 60 per cent of Last Last, why can’t he do the same thing to come and meet me first, talk to me?” Konga said.
The veteran singer added that his decision to hold back legal action stems from his admiration for Burna Boy and his pride in contributing to the global rise of African music.
Konga also noted that Burna Boy previously sampled his lyrics in the remix of Sungba with Asake.
Konga revealed that, after Burna Boy declined to collaborate on a remix of his evergreen hit Kabakaba, he has taken the controversial step of sampling Burna Boy without permission.
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The dispute raises broader questions about intellectual property, royalties, and collaboration etiquette in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding Afrobeats industry, where sampling and remixing have become increasingly common.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
