The longstanding feud between Nigerian singer Dammy Krane and Afrobeat superstar Davido is showing no signs of slowing down. In a bold and calculated move, Dammy Krane has named his upcoming album 5ive the same title as Davido’s eagerly awaited project and scheduled its release for April 18, matching Davido’s official drop date.
While some might see it as a coincidence, those familiar with the rocky history between the two artists are calling it a clear provocation.
The friction between Dammy Krane and Davido began years ago but reignited in recent times after Dammy Krane accused Davido of withholding royalties from their past collaboration. The accusations quickly escalated into a barrage of social media outbursts, where Dammy Krane even insinuated that Davido had ties to the deaths of some of his close associates. The backlash that followed was intense, eventually leading to Dammy Krane’s arrest by the Nigerian police in 2024. He was later released after issuing a public apology, admitting the accusations were false.
Despite the apology, it seems the tension has only simmered beneath the surface. Davido, in his defense, described Dammy Krane as ungrateful, claiming he once gave him three verses to support his music career a gesture he says was never acknowledged.
Now, with both artists releasing identically titled albums on the same day, the drama has spilled over into the music charts. While Davido’s 5ive has been promoted with strategic teasers and a well-oiled marketing plan backed by a massive fan base, Dammy Krane’s version seems to be banking on controversy and curiosity.
Industry insiders believe Dammy Krane’s move may be a clever ploy to benefit from the buzz surrounding Davido’s release. With fans and streaming platforms already keyed in on 5ive, there’s a chance some curious listeners might click on the wrong or right 5ive and end up giving Dammy Krane’s work an unintentional spin.
Whether this tactic will help revive Dammy Krane’s fading spotlight or simply fuel more backlash remains to be seen. But one thing is clear he knows how to stir the pot, and in the world of Nigerian music, drama sells almost as much as the music itself.
