Yoko B and 2Face
An up-and-coming artiste, Analike Okezie (Yoko B), has accused
popular singer, 2baba (formerly known as 2face Idibia) of stealing his
song, Amaka.
Recall that 2baba recently released a song titled, Amaka. On the
track, the singer sang about a certain Amaka who disappointed him after
promising him that she would come to his house. On the song featuring
DMW’s Peruzzi, the singer narrated how he had made arrangements such as
buying diesel and alcohol, only for the girl to fail to turn up.
Meanwhile, in Yoko B’s version, the singer also sang about how
Amaka broke his heart after she claimed to love him. The beat of the two
songs also sound similar.
In a chat with Sunday Scoop, Yoko B said,
“Right now, I am fed
up with some of the top artistes in this country. Once they are up
there, they can never help you grow. They prefer to rip you off and
frustrate your hustle. The new song, Amaka, by 2baba featuring Peruzzi
is my concept. The song was produced by Richie, who also did the chorus
of the song. Shortly after producing my song, Richie was employed by
Larry Gaga and he left FESTAC Town for Lekki where he worked with 2baba.
My songs were still on his computer at that point. I was shocked when I
discovered that they had ‘stolen’ the title, concept and message of my
song. I released my version about five months ago and I have been trying
to promote it with the little resources I have. I was already
negotiating with Avalon Okpe to direct the video when 2baba released his
version. I feel bad that they cheated me because I am an up-and-coming
artiste. I want the world to know what has been done to me.”
On whether he had made his grievances known to Richie personally, Yoko B said,
“Yes, I complained to him but he didn’t say anything reasonable. He
said anybody can come up with the title, Amaka. But I wonder why the
concept and instrumental of the songs are so similar if something isn’t
fishy. I am sure that somehow, 2baba must have heard the song. To cover
their tracks, 2baba’s version was produced by another producer,
Sperochbeatz, but they all work in the same studio.”
However, when Sunday Scoop contacted Richie, a person who claimed
to be his manager answered the call and threatened a Punch correspondent
not to publish the story. He said, “The guy (Yoko B) is just
looking for cheap fame. I am Richie’s manager and I know about the whole
story. We really don’t have anything to say concerning the matter. He
should go anywhere in the world concerning the issue. For your own good,
I would advise you not to publish the story. I don’t know if Yoko B has
the power to finish what he has started.”
When contacted, 2baba’s manager, Efe Omoregbe, stated that he was
unaware of the allegation. He said, “This is the first time I’m hearing
about that claim and I cannot comment on what I don’t know about.”