Nigerian music star Kingsley Okonkwo, widely known as Kcee, has opened up about his much-discussed fallout with fellow singer Flavour, offering new insight into the origins of their strained relationship.
The tension between the two resurfaced in 2024 when Flavour appeared to throw a subtle jab online, accusing an unnamed artiste of imitating his style of highlife and contemporary Igbo music. Although he did not name anyone in the post, Kcee interpreted the shade as being directed at him and responded by cautioning Flavour against attempting to gatekeep Igbo culture. He also reminded him that he had been in the industry long before Flavour’s rise to fame.
Speaking during a recent interview with Yanga FM Lagos, Kcee recounted his first-ever encounter with Flavour. He revealed that popular talent manager Soso Soberekon had brought the then-up-and-coming singer to him many years ago with hopes that Kcee would sign him to his record label. According to Kcee, he turned down the offer because he did not see the potential in Flavour at the time.
The ‘Limpopo’ crooner clarified that he does not believe Flavour’s alleged resentment stems from that rejection. Instead, he suggested that insecurity and superiority issues may be at play, adding that some artistes tend to undermine him because he does not openly boast about his talent.
“Till now, I still don’t understand the reason for his beef with me, especially that situation where he implied someone was copying him,” Kcee said. “Some people wrote me off and expected me to remain stagnant. When you work hard and grow beyond their expectations, it becomes a problem.”
Kcee maintained that he had already achieved significant success before Flavour came to Lagos.
“I came into the industry before Flavour. Soso brought him to me years ago to sign, but I didn’t see potential in him then. It wasn’t personal. I had nothing against him,” he said.
He added that many colleagues underestimate him due to his humility.
“Some of them underrate my talent. My humility contributed to that because I don’t brag. But time always proves every doubter wrong. Some who once dismissed me have come back to apologise.”