Afrobeats sensation Kizz Daniel recently made a bold declaration on his X (formerly Twitter) account, stating that he would quit music if anyone, apart from fellow artist Runtown, comes forward to claim they have ever written a song for him.
The statement came after Kizz Daniel praised Runtown for writing a song for him for the very first time. He expressed his admiration for the “Mad Over You” crooner, saying:
“For the first time in my life, Person write song for me and na Runtown… Sound God is not human.”
This revelation stirred reactions among fans, with one user, @KTwinBlog, questioning the claim:
“For the first….you sure?”
In a fiery response, Kizz Daniel doubled down on his statement:
“Make any mofo come out say dem write for me I go stop music right now.”
The Songwriting Debate in Nigerian Music
While the use of songwriters is a globally accepted practice, it remains a sensitive topic in Nigeria. Many fans hold the belief that true artistry lies in an artist’s ability to write their own music. This mindset has often put artists who openly acknowledge using songwriters under scrutiny.
For instance, Davido, one of Nigeria’s biggest music stars, has faced criticism multiple times for admitting to using songwriters. Despite this, Davido has openly embraced collaboration with songwriters, arguing that it’s about creating the best music possible.
Kizz Daniel’s Stand
Kizz Daniel’s stance highlights the pride he takes in his artistry and songwriting abilities. Known for penning hits like “Woju”, “Mama”, and “Buga”, the singer’s discography is a testament to his talent and creativity. His acknowledgment of Runtown, however, shows his respect for collaboration when the situation calls for it.
By making such a daring proclamation, Kizz Daniel draws a line in the sand, challenging the industry and fans to respect his dedication to his craft. It also shines a spotlight on Runtown’s songwriting prowess, further cementing his reputation as a “Sound God.”
A Larger Conversation for Afrobeats
Kizz Daniel’s declaration raises an important question about the perception of songwriters in the Nigerian music industry. In an era where collaborations between songwriters and artists are celebrated internationally, perhaps it’s time for the Nigerian audience to embrace this aspect of music-making.
After all, isn’t the ultimate goal to create music that resonates with fans, regardless of how it’s made?
What are your thoughts on this debate? Should Nigerian artists embrace the global norm of celebrating songwriters, or is it fair to hold them to a different standard? Let us know in the comments!
