Nigerian singer Kingsley Okonkwo, popularly known as Kcee, has finally opened up on the long-rumoured tension between him and fellow music star, Flavour.
He shared why he once turned down the opportunity to sign him to his record label.
It will be recalled that both artistes clashed on social media in 2024 after Flavour threw subtle shade at an unnamed colleague for allegedly copying his musical style.
Musical style
Although Flavour did not directly mention any name, Kcee picked up on the post and responded.
He warned the highlife singer to stop attempting to gatekeep Igbo cultural music.
He also asserted that he joined the music industry long before Flavour.
Speaking in a recent interview with Yanga FM Lagos, the Limpopo crooner revealed that his first meeting with Flavour dates back many years ago when popular talent manager, Soso Soberekon, introduced him with the intention of securing a record deal.
According to Kcee, he declined to sign Flavour at the time because he did not see enough potential in him then.
However, he insisted that the decision was purely professional and not personal.
“I still don’t fully understand the reason for his issues with me, especially that incident where he accused someone of copying his style,” Kcee said.
“Sometimes, when people expect you to remain at a certain level and you exceed their expectations, that’s when problems start.”
He added, “I entered the music industry before Flavour. Soso brought him to me to sign him to my label. At that time, I was already driving exotic cars and doing well in Lagos. I told Soso I couldn’t sign Flavour because I didn’t see the potential then. It had nothing to do with personal dislike.”
Kcee further stated that he does not believe the rejected deal is the real reason behind the lingering tension.
Industry politics
Instead, he suggested that a superiority complex and industry politics may be at play.
He also addressed claims that he is often underrated by his colleagues.
Also, he blames it partly on his humility and refusal to brag about his achievements.
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“A lot of my colleagues underrate my talent, and my humility contributes to it because I don’t brag. I don’t need to,” he said. “But time always proves people wrong. My work keeps proving my doubters wrong. In fact, some people who once doubted me have come back to apologise and admit they were wrong.”
