Nigerian singer Kingsley Okonkwo, popularly known as Kcee, has addressed the long-rumoured rift between him and his colleague, Flavour.

The two were involved in a social media skirmish in 2024 after Flavour appeared to shade an unnamed artiste for allegedly copying his musical style.

Although he did not mention anyone, Kcee caught the subliminal message and responded, warning Flavour against gatekeeping Igbo cultural music and reminding him that he joined the music industry before him.

Speaking in a recent interview with Yanga FM Lagos, Kcee recounted his first encounter with Flavour many years ago, when popular talent manager Soso Soberekon brought the then-upcoming artiste to him for a potential record deal.

The Limpopo hitmaker explained that he declined to sign Flavour because he did not see the potential in him at the time.

He added that he does not believe the rejection is the cause of their rift, suggesting instead that a superiority complex may be at play. According to him, some of his colleagues assume he lacks talent simply because he does not brag.

“Till now, I don’t understand the reason for his beef with me, especially that incident where he alleged that someone was copying him," Kcee said. "The truth is that when some people had written you off, hoping you would be stagnant, and you work hard and get to a level they didn’t expect, that is where the problem starts.

“I came into the music industry before Flavour. Soso Soberekon brought him to me years ago to sign to my record label. I was already driving exotic cars and balling before he came to Lagos. I told Soso I couldn’t sign Flavour because I didn’t see the potential in him at that time. It wasn’t because I had something against him.

“I don’t think that is why he is holding a grudge. But time shall tell. A lot of my colleagues underrate my talent, and my humility also contributes to that because I don’t brag. I don’t need it. But as I always say, time will always prove them wrong. My work always proves every doubter wrong. Some of those who doubted me in the past have come to apologise and admitted they were wrong about me.”