Speed Darlington

Last updated
Darlington Okoye
Born
Darlington Okoye

(1984-03-13) March 13, 1984 (age 40)
NationalityNigerian
Other names
  • Speed Darlington
  • Scorpion King
  • Akpi
Occupations
  • Musician
  • songwriter
  • social media personality
Years active2017–present

Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, [1] was born in Arondizuogu, Imo State, to Nigerian musicians Pericoma Okoye and Queen Theresa Onuorah. Darlington was raised in the Bronx, New York, and began his journey in the arts as a dancer in the 1990s. His shift to music came in 2017 [2] with the release of his single "Bangdadadang!" His style blends Afrobeat, pop, and rap. Over the years, he has released several other tracks, including "Akamu," "Cash & Carry," and "Ogiriga Owuwa."

Controversies

Darlington's [3] fame has been fueled as much by his controversial persona as by his music. [4] His social media presence is marked by provocative and often erratic behavior, sparking numerous public disputes. [5]

One notable incident occurred during an Instagram live video in January 2022, where Darlington brandished a knife after being accused by a woman of being a rapist. [6] The altercation caused an uproar online, with widespread criticism of his conduct. In another instance, Darlington stirred controversy by making statements about turning to cybercrime if his music career failed, a comment that was widely condemned for promoting negative stereotypes about Nigerians. [7]

He has also engaged in several public feuds with Nigerian celebrities, including Wizkid [8] and Tunde Ednut. In one case, he threatened Ednut with "juju" (traditional charms) during a disagreement over social media influence. [9] Furthermore, Darlington has faced backlash for his disparaging remarks about Nigerian women, including comments about women from Benin, which many deemed misogynistic.[ citation needed ]

Okoye, has had a number of controversies, including a notable incident involving Burna Boy. [10] In October 2024, Speed Darlington was arrested and held in police custody after Burna Boy [11] filed a defamation complaint against him. The controversy arose after Speed Darlington questioned the legitimacy of Burna Boy's Grammy win for Twice As Tall, insinuating that Burna Boy's association with Sean "Diddy" Combs, who was facing serious legal issues at the time, might have influenced the award. This led to accusations of cyberstalking and defamation from Burna Boy's camp, prompting legal action.[ citation needed ]

Speed Darlington was eventually released on bail after the intervention of human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, but the controversy stirred widespread debate about freedom of speech in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Additionally, old videos resurfaced where Speed Darlington had previously used harsh language against Burna Boy, further inflaming tensions.[ citation needed ]

Related Research Articles

Fújì is a genre of Yoruba popular music that emerged in Nigeria in the 1960s. It evolved from the improvisational wéré music also known as ajísari (meaning "waking up for sari", performed to awaken Muslims before dawn during the fasting season of Ramadan. Fuji music was named after the Japanese stratovolcano-mountain, Mount Fuji by Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister. It features energetic beats, diverse Yoruba rhythms, and call-and-response vocals. Fuji's influence extends into contemporary music, with its hooks and rhythms frequently appearing in Nigerian hip hop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Burna Boy</span> Nigerian singer-songwriter (born 1991)

Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu , who is known professionally as Burna Boy, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer. He rose to stardom in 2012 after releasing "Like to Party", the lead single from his debut studio album L.I.F.E (2013). In 2017, Burna Boy signed with Atlantic Records in the United States to release his third studio album, Outside (2018).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Young Jonn</span> Nigerian singer, songwriter and sound producer (born 1995)

John Saviours Udomboso, known professionally as Young Jonn, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer, currently signed to Chocolate City Music. He is also known for his hit singles Dada and the remix with Davido. He had music production credits on industry hits during the 2010s and was affiliated with the YBNL mafia family going on to be ranked #3 in The NET's list of "Nigeria's Top 7 Biggest Music Producers" and went on to be nominated in the "Producer of The Year" at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards and The Headies 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zlatan (musician)</span> Nigerian rapper and singer (born 1994)

Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, known professionally as Zlatan Ibile, is a Nigerian rapper and singer. He is the chief executive officer and founder of Zanku records. In 2014, he won the Airtel-sponsored One Mic talent show held in 2014, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Naira Marley</span> Nigerian singer

Azeez Adeshina Fashola, known professionally as Naira Marley, is a British-Nigerian singer, songwriter and rapper. He is known as the president of his controversial fan base, "Marlians".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Omah Lay</span> Nigerian singer-songwriter and record executive (born 1997)

Stanley Omah Didia, known professionally as Omah Lay, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer. Lay gained international prominence with his singles "Understand," "Attention," and "Soso". He has won numerous awards including Headies in 2020 and 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bella Shmurda</span> Nigerian singer

Abiola Ahmed Akinbiyi, known professionally as Bella Shmurda, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He rose to prominence in 2019 with the release of the song "Vision 2020", and a follow-up remix which featured Olamide. He is also the leader of Dangbana Republik; a collective of creatives in Lagos providing community and humanitarian contributions.

TurnTable is a Nigerian music and entertainment magazine founded by Ayomide Oriowo, and Similoluwa Adegoke. TurnTable focuses primarily on music charts, news, and events. Its music charts include the Top 100, and the Year-End chart. TurnTable magazine has two issues, and its first issue was published on 19 December 2020, by Similoluwa Adegoke. Its issues are printed in English language. In 2023 the magazine launched its music recording certification, TurnTable Certification System of Nigeria to represent the recording certification system of music industry in Nigeria.

Ayobami Olaleye professionally known as Phantom is a multi-gold, award-winning Afrobeats record producer, singer, and songwriter. In 2020, he became the third Nigerian Afrobeats producer in history to be certified by Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP) after Burna Boy’s "Ye" became a certified gold record in France. The song earned him an award at 2019 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival, in the African Producer of the Year category, with a nomination at The Headies, in the Producer of the Year category.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Asake</span> Nigerian singer, rapper and songwriter (born 1994)

Ahmed Ololade, known professionally as Asake, is a Nigerian singer, rapper and songwriter. He is signed to YBNL Nation and Empire Distribution. His stage name "Asake" is his mother's name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Odumodublvck</span> Nigerian rapper (born 1993)

Tochukwu Gbubemi Ojogwu, popularly known as Odumodublvck, is a Nigerian rapper, singer and songwriter. He is known for his stage performances, genre-blend and his often portrayal of Okpu Agu. Odumodublvck is a member of the hip-hop collective Anti World Gangstars. He currently resides in Abuja, Nigeria.

Balogun Afolabi Oluwaloseyi, known professionally as Seyi Vibez, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He is known for his breakthrough single "Chance " from his second studio album Billion Dollar Baby which debuted at No. 19 on the UK Afrobeats singles chart and peaked number 7 on the TurnTable Top 100 chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MTV Video Music Award for Best Afrobeats Video</span> Music video award

The MTV Video Music Award for Best Afrobeats Video award was first introduced at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2023.

<i>Sincerely, Benson</i> 2023 Studio album by Bnxn

Sincerely, Benson is the debut studio album of Nigerian singer Bnxn which peaked at number 11 on the Billboard World Albums chart.

<i>Young Preacher</i> 2022 studio album by Blaqbonez

Young Preacher is the second studio album by Nigerian rapper Blaqbonez. The album was awarded Best Rap Album at the 2023 edition of the Headies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amapiano (song)</span> Song by Asake and Olamide

"Amapiano" is a song by Nigerian musician Asake and Nigerian rapper Olamide. The song is a single from Asake's second studio album, Work of Art, and was produced by Nigerian producer Magicsticks. The music video, shot by Jyde Ajala, was released on 24 May 2023. The song was a surprise release and gained over 100,000 streams within less than 24 hours of its release and debuted at number one of the Spotify Top Songs Nigeria Daily Chart. The song was nominated for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Grammy awards. It was one of the most streamed songs of 2023 on Audiomack, garnering 87.7 million streams on the platform. Former US president Barack Obama listed the song among his favorite music of 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Suté Iwar</span> Nigerian record producer

Msughter Wuese Iwar, professionally known as Suté Iwar, is a Nigerian Afro-Fusion rapper, singer-songwriter, and record producer, signed to Outer South, and co-founder of the BANTU Collective, with his brothers Tay Iwar, and Terna Iwar. He debut into the limelight was met with critical acclaim when he released his second mixtape album Vision.

<i>The Guy</i> (album) 2022 studio album by M.I Abaga

The Guy is the fifth studio album by Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga. It was released on 19 August 2022, through Incredible Music and Chocolate City Music. The album features guest appearances from Nas, Olamide, Duncan Mighty, Phyno, Cavemen, Wande Coal, Bnxn, Temi Owo, Lord Vino, Ossi Grace, Chillz, Ice Prince, and Jesse Jagz.

<i>Full Time Job</i> (album) 2024 studio album by Phyno

Full Time Job is the fifth studio album by Nigerian rapper and singer Phyno. It was released on 4 October 2024, through Penthauze Music. The album blends rap, highlife, R&B, and gospel, and features guest appearances from artists ArrDee, Flavour, Chip, Burna Boy, Johnny Drille, Fave, Cheque, group NSG, and media personality and convicted felon Hushpuppi. Production was handled mainly by JaySynths, with additional production from Major Bangz, Niphkeys, and Duktor Sett. The album serves as a follow-up to Something to Live For (2021).

“Baby Oil” is a 2024 song by Nigerian-American artist Speed Darlington. Released in October 2024, the song attracted significant attention, with fans and critics interpreting it as a satirical response to controversies involving prominent figures in the music industry, including Burna Boy and American rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs. The release of ‘’Baby Oil'’ followed a highly publicized series of events, including Darlington's detainment by the Nigerian police, reportedly connected to Burna Boy's legal actions against him.

References

  1. ↑ Itodo, Sunny Green (18 May 2024). "'I'm number 1 musician in West Africa' - Speed Darlington". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
  2. ↑ Itodo, Sunny Green (14 June 2023). "I don't make music for poor people - Rapper Speed Darlington". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
  3. ↑ Sobowale, Adetutu (8 October 2024). "Missing Speed Darlington in police custody- Deji Adeyanju". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
  4. ↑ "BREAKING: Detained Nigerian Singer Speed Darlington Released On Bail After Burna Boy's Petition Alleging Cyberbullying | Sahara Reporters". saharareporters. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
  5. ↑ "'Temper justice with mercy,' Speed Darlington's mother begs Burna Boy to release her son". Vanguard News. 8 October 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
  6. ↑ Adebiyi, Adeayo (21 February 2023). "Speed Darlington knocks Tems and Teni for imitating Tiwa Savage". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
  7. ↑ Adebiyi, Adeayo (8 October 2024). "Speed Darlington's mother goes on her knees to beg Burna Boy to release her son". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
  8. ↑ Itodo, Sunny Green (21 April 2023). "Davido lacks talent - Rapper, Speed Darlington". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
  9. ↑ Amao, Esther (8 October 2024). "Burnaboy: Deji Adeyanju calls for Speed Darlington's release". Tribune Online. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
  10. ↑ Augoye, Jayne (9 October 2024). "Burna Boy: Speed Darlington released on bail after five-day detention". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
  11. ↑ Oladokun, Itoro (9 October 2024). "Speed Darlington released after arrest for defaming Burna Boy". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.