Konga accuses Burna Boy of copying style and slogans

Veteran Nigerian rapper Lawal “Konga” Olumo has accused Grammy winner Burna Boy of replicating his signature style and catchphrases without permission. Speaking on the Hits Don’t Lie podcast released Thursday night, March 26, 2026, Konga claimed that Burna Boy used his slogans and rhythm in the 2025 remix of Asake’s “Sungba.” Konga argues he is entitled to 60% of the track's revenue, drawing a comparison to Burna Boy’s 2022 hit “Last Last,” where American singer Toni Braxton reportedly received 60% royalties for a sample.

Despite the friction, Konga revealed he instructed his legal team not to sue the global star. Instead, he attempted a peaceful call-out on social media and even went "on the street" in Lekki and Ikeja to find the singer for a collaboration. When they eventually met, Konga says Burna Boy was warm, admitting he had been a fan since his school days in the UK because of Konga's unique lyrical coding. However, Konga notes their relationship has since deteriorated again after Burna Boy failed to officially address the sampling claims.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions regarding intellectual property in the Nigerian music industry. While Konga has now sampled Burna Boy in return to settle the score creatively, the lack of a formal agreement leaves the financial dispute unresolved.

With Afrobeats dominating the global stage, do you think established stars have a moral obligation to formally credit the local veterans whose styles they've adapted, or is "inspiration" just part of the game?

SOURCE: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/867278-burna-boy-copied-my-style-my-slogans-konga-alleges.html