Brymo Challenges Nigeria’s Top Music Icons Over Remix Culture

Renowned Nigerian singer and songwriter Brymo has sparked controversy by urging prominent music stars like Burna Boy and Davido to reconsider their frequent involvement in remixing tracks by emerging artists.

Calling Out the Remix Trend Among Established Artists

On August 19, 2025, Brymo took to Instagram to express his frustration with what he perceives as a growing trend among Nigeria’s mainstream “A-list” musicians. In a candid post, he implored artists such as Burna Boy, Davido, and their peers to stop featuring on every popular remix, especially those originally released by up-and-coming talents.

“Burna, Davido, and Co., stop jumping on every hit song in a remix, especially releases by newer acts… let other artistes find their own way,” Brymo wrote.

Concerns Over Genuine Support Versus Self-Promotion

Brymo went further to question the true intentions behind these collaborations, suggesting that the established stars might be leveraging remixes more for maintaining their own relevance than for genuinely uplifting emerging musicians. He described the act of “pretending to help” as disingenuous and harmful to the organic growth of new artists.

“The pretending to be helping them reach higher is a ridiculous watch… stop seeking relevance in the efforts of ones who know little about the business… it’s vile!!” he added.

Impact on the Nigerian Music Industry and Emerging Talent

This critique highlights a broader debate within the Nigerian music scene about the balance between collaboration and independence. While remixes can offer exposure, Brymo’s perspective suggests that over-reliance on established stars might hinder the authentic development of fresh talent, potentially overshadowing their unique voices and career trajectories.

Industry observers note that this remix culture, prevalent not only in Nigeria but globally, can sometimes blur the lines between mentorship and commercial strategy. For instance, in 2024, data from the Nigerian Music Industry Report showed a 35% increase in remix releases featuring top-tier artists, raising questions about the long-term effects on new artists’ brand building.

Reactions and Industry Response

Since Brymo’s statement went viral, it has ignited discussions among fans, critics, and music professionals about the ethics and consequences of remix collaborations. As of now, neither Burna Boy, Davido, nor their management teams have issued any public comments addressing Brymo’s remarks.

Brymo’s Advocacy for Artistic Autonomy

Known for his unique musical style and outspoken stance on industry issues, Brymo has consistently championed artistic freedom and equitable practices within Nigeria’s entertainment sector. His recent critique aligns with his ongoing efforts to challenge prevailing norms and encourage a more sustainable environment for emerging artists to thrive independently.

In a similar vein, other Nigerian artists like Simi and Tems have also voiced concerns about the need for nurturing originality and self-reliance among new talents, emphasizing the importance of creating space for fresh voices without overshadowing them.

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