It is human to err, and to dissent. Even lovers do not always agree. And trust us when we say the Nigerian entertainment industry is so full of content and drama. They never cease to entertain us with stories – and famous celebrity fights are included. We have curated a few of the most unexpected celebrity feuds that shook social media and public space in recent times. And right up to 2023.
Some of these celebrity feuds started out gradually, fuelled by fans for and against – until they built up into a bonfire. Some beefs simply changed partners, but constantly maintained one particular hero (or villain). And some beefs quietened and seethed in secret to be re-ignited again.
Nigerian Celebrity Feuds: Latest Gists
Bobrisky Versus (The List Goes On…)
Famous Nigerian crossdresser, Bobrisky is ready any day to flaunt his wealth and his indulgences (which irritate so many people). Worse still, his skill at using words as a weapon is undeniable. He is a gladiator in so many fights. He recently joined other former housemates in the 2023 BBNaija Allstars house, and he already picked a dislike for CeeC.
In fairness to Bobrisky, we know he is quick to reach out to several people in a gesture of friendship. He has even given out money and gifts to other celebrities. But we cannot forget that in the history of Nigerian celebrities, Bobrisky is a number one contender in the street of feuds. Some of his well-known opponents include Kemi Olunloyo, Tonto Dikeh and Nkechi Blessing (three other champions). There are also the likes of former colleague, crossdresser James Brown.
In November 2022, Bobrisky clashed with social media influencer Papaya Ex at a public event. In fact, Bobrisky threw bottled water at Papaya Ex, who was seated with her gang not far away. Papaya Ex and her group continued to mock Bobrisky verbally and in actions throughout the event, which infuriated Bobrisky.
Where did all this start from? Papaya Ex had followed Bobrisky’s pattern in throwing a housewarming party by inviting guests with a special package. In 2021, Bobrisky reportedly gave out an invitation package in which a bottle of champagne, perfume and more were wrapped for each invited guest. Papaya Ex imitating him did not sit well with Bobrisky. Papaya Ex ended up exchanging words with Bobrisky on Instagram. And James Brown was quick to add fire with his comments.
Tonto Dikeh Versus (Start Counting…)
Tonto Dikeh does not hesitate to dish it raw to any opponent that challenges her on or off social media. She is even ready for a physical confrontation – she once told Kemi Olunloyo to that effect. Her list of celebrity opponents include ex-husband, Olakunle Churchill; ex-lover Prince Kpokpogiri; Kemi Olunloyo; influencer Tunde Ednut; ex-BBNaija housemate Saskay; and actor Van Vicker.
Her fight with ex-husband Olakunle Churchill never seems to end. It probably happens yearly following their son’s birthday. It happened again this February 2023, both of them calling each other names on Instagram. Let’s leave the details for decency’s sake.
Nkechi Blessing Versus Anybody
Nkechi Blessing is another warrior on the streets of feuds. Her fight with ex-husband, Opeyemi Falegan both on and off Instagram was so loud and messy throughout 2022. Her insults can kill – they are worse than bullets. She is ready to shoot at the drop of a feather. As the Naija saying goes, ‘she no send anybody’.
Nkechi has fought with area boys, ex-BBNaija housemate Nina Ivy, Bobrisky, actress Juliet Ibrahim, and countless others. Please let’s move on (apologies if I have offended anybody – I come in peace).
Anita Joseph Versus ‘Frenemies’
Anita Joseph has had serious fights with colleagues Uche Ogbodo, Ruby Orjiakor, Uche Elendu and Angela Okorie in recent times. It’s a handful indeed. The latest dirty deal involved Angela Okorie exposing Anita Joseph (and Uche Elendu) for going around to sleep with men for money. She revealed supporting chats on Instagram to back up the claim, around the middle of 2023.
It does not appear to be getting better between Anita Joseph and her former friends yet.
Basketmouth Versus AY
Between top Nigerian comedians Basketmouth (Bright Okpocha) and AY (Ayo Makun), their feud is not funny in the least bit. It was kept under wraps for long – but it finally burst to the surface.
AY revealed in a recent interview that way back in 2006, Basketmouth used to go hunting for events to perform – such as weddings. That was in the heydays when their careers were just starting. In fairness to Basketmouth, AY stated that the former connected him to a number of clients back then, and deeply appreciated the help.
However, Basketmouth sent AY to replace him in one of those events when he could not honor the invitation. AY performed at the event, and was expecting the agreed pay of N30,000 from Basketmouth. In the end, Basketmouth never paid him – saying the client was not satisfied with one thing or another. Hungry AY contacted the client, asking them to honorably pay his boss. However, the client stated clearly that the money had been given to Basket mouth long before the event took place.
AY went ahead to forward the message to Basketmouth. The revelation led to a clash between Basketmouth and the said client. Meanwhile, AY’s recent revelation prompted someone somewhere to dig up Basketmouth’s earlier interview with famous media personality, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu. Basketmouth reportedly told Ebuka that AY had violated the rule of loyalty by divulging private information to his lawyer, Magnus.
So who really was loyal to who? We can only guess loyalty means different things to different people – depending on the intention. Perhaps they would reason things out later.
Resolved Nigerian Celebrity Feuds – What a Relief
There are Nigerian celebrity feuds that were eventually settled. The likes of Funke Akindele and Eniola Badmus (a brief one); P-Square; Burna Boy and Davido; Davido and Wizkid are an inspiration. A couple of them quietened over time, and reconciled quietly.
Olamide and Don Jazzy
Olamide and Don Jazzy for instance, embraced each other at the August 2023 release of Olamide’s 10th studio Album ‘Unruly’. Both of them publicly apologized at different times for their war of words that occured since the Headies Awards of 2015. Olamide had blurted out on stage about his signee, Lil Kesh losing a Headies Award to Don Jazzy’s Reekado Banks. However, most people did not realize that Nigerian business giant, Aliko Dangote, had mediated their quarrel and united them in a low-key meeting.
M.I. Abaga and Vector da Viper
There was also the case of the settled ‘beef’ between famous rappers M.I. Abaga and Vector da Viper. It appeared that their fans had blown the whole thing out of proportion. Back in 2017, M.I. made a comment on the ‘Loose Talk’ podcast. He stated he does not know why he and Vector had not collaborated on any rap project. Their diss rap wars of 2019 earned each of them quite some money. M.I released the diss track ‘The Viper’; and Vector retorted with ‘Judas the Rat’. But after all said and done, both rappers have since reconciled, even planning on collaborations. That sounds good.
Sheyi Shay and Tiwa Savage
For years, Tiwa Savage and Seyi Shay were also not on speaking terms. It seemed to have started when Sheyi Shay paired up with Kenyan singer, Victoria Kimani to repeatedly pick on Tiwa Savage on social media. They even recorded a diss song together, targeting Tiwa Savage.
Sheyi Shay and Tiwa Savage eventually met at a Lagos salon and things escalated from there. Apparently, Sheyi Shay came to say ‘hi’ to Tiwa Savage where the latter was seated. Tiwa Savage had at first ignored Sheyi’s presence. Tiwa ended up shouting and raining curses on Sheyi Shay 20 minutes later to warn her off, and bystanders struggled to end their quarrel.
Well.- it’s all over now. Sheyi Shay reportedly congratulated Tiwa Savage after the latter’s 2021 performance at the Global Citizens Concert in the USA. And Tiwa responded positively, thanking Sheyi.
Liz Anjorin and Toyin Abraham
And finally – Nollywood actresses Toyin Abraham and Liz Anjorin ended their long drawn-out feud. It started in 2019, when Liz Anjorin was reportedly ‘held and searched’ for peddling drugs during her Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. Apparently some bloggers capitalized on the story and spread it too fast; and Toyin Abraham was dragged into the drama. Anjorin accused Toyin Abraham of being the one who leaked the accusation/story to bloggers. She even rained curses on Abraham and her family. It led Toyin to invite the police for an investigation to clear her name, and she was vindicated.
Liz Anjorin finally apologized to Toyin Abraham in 2022.
