Nigerian rapper Speed Darlington, widely known as Akpi, has stirred up conversations in the music community after his recent release from police custody. His arrest garnered significant media attention, particularly because it was linked to comments he made about fellow artist Burna Boy, sparking discussions about rivalry and authenticity in the Nigerian music industry.
The trouble began when Speed Darlington posted a video in which he questioned the legitimacy of Burna Boy’s Grammy award. He went further to connect Burna Boy with the controversial American singer Diddy, suggesting some dubious connections between the two. This video caught the attention of Burna Boy, who took issue with Speed’s comments, leading to the rapper’s arrest.
After spending some time in detention, Speed Darlington was released and immediately took to social media to express his thoughts on the situation. In a video shared online, he made a bold statement, saying, “It takes 30 million to carry me.” This remark seemed to be a clear jab at Burna Boy, implying that it would take a substantial amount of money to silence or remove him.
In the same video, Darlington added, “The EFCC provides beds, and the DSS provides food. I have survived ground zero; what can you do to me next? If I go missing, it’s on you; if you go missing, it won’t be my problem.” His comments reflect a sense of bravado, portraying himself as someone who cannot be easily intimidated.
He captioned the video, “Big fish; it takes 30 million to carry me,” emphasizing his self-perceived value and resilience. This post was designed to mock Burna Boy and assert his position in the competitive Nigerian music scene.
Speed Darlington’s statements have elicited various reactions from fans and fellow artists. Some support his boldness, appreciating his unapologetic nature, while others criticize him for provoking a conflict that could have been avoided. The ongoing rivalry between artists is not uncommon in the music industry, particularly in Nigeria, where public spats can attract significant attention and sometimes lead to more serious confrontations.