Nigerian content creator and streamer Peller has fired back at rapper Oludemilade Martin Alejo, popularly known as Ycee, after the musician criticised what he described as the rise of “Peller culture” and warned that it could have damaging consequences for younger generations.

The exchange began after Ycee, during a recent interview, expressed concern that Nigerian society was placing less value on education while increasingly rewarding social media popularity and viral content.

According to the rapper, the trend risks encouraging young people to prioritise internet fame over academic achievement and could have long-term consequences for the country’s future.

“Nigerian society is no longer celebrating academic excellence. People don’t even want to go to school anymore. It’s not even Yahoo culture anymore, now we have a ‘Peller culture’. This ‘Olodo’ uprising we are witnessing is terrible. It feels like we are trying so hard to accommodate ignorance so people won’t feel bad, and now they seem to be the majority. The massive attack on Nigeria’s educational system is alarming,” Ycee said.

Peller responded in a strongly worded social media post, accusing the rapper of disrespecting content creators despite their growing importance to Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

“Some OGs don’t deserve respect. This kind Ycee man, now see wetin elderly man dey talk. You people bring music promotion to the so-called olodo, na the same people una dey promote and beg with small money,” Peller wrote.

The streamer argued that many musicians now depend on digital creators and influencers to promote new songs, increase online engagement and reach wider audiences.

“When una wan promote music, na still these same people una dey run come meet,” he added.

The disagreement has sparked widespread debate across social media, with users divided over the evolving influence of digital creators. While some agreed with Ycee that the growing obsession with viral content could undermine educational aspirations, others defended content creation as a legitimate career that has created employment and transformed Nigeria’s digital economy.

The discussion also highlights the changing relationship between musicians and online creators.

As streaming platforms and social media continue to shape the entertainment industry, influencers have become key partners in marketing music and building audience engagement.

Ycee, known for hit songs including Jagaban and Juice, has previously spoken about education, mental health and the need for young Nigerians to develop sustainable skills beyond entertainment.

Peller, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the country’s most recognisable livestreamers, attracting millions of followers through interactive online content.

Neither Ycee nor Peller had indicated that the public exchange would escalate beyond their respective statements as of the time of this report.