“Seven Lifes” or Stolen Melodies? Beautiful Nubia Sparks Fierce Copyright Debate

Veteran folk maestro Beautiful Nubia (Segun Akinlolu) has ignited a firestorm in the Nigerian music industry, accusing gospel heavyweights of “melody theft.” Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the legendary singer alleged that his 1997 classic, “Seven Lifes,” has been a silent goldmine for artists who haven’t asked for permission.

The Allegations

Nubia pointedly called out gospel veteran Yinka Ayefele for his 2012 hit “My Faith in God (Igbagbo Ireti)” and rising artist BBO for the 2026 track “Amin.” According to the folk icon, both songs borrowed the soul of his original melody without any intellectual property agreements.

“Both stole their melodies from our original song ‘Seven Lifes.’ When will Nigerians—especially the so-called gospel musicians—learn to respect copyright?” Nubia questioned.

While neither artist has issued an official legal rebuttal, the conversation has shifted toward the legalities of Intellectual Property (IP) in Nigeria. Is the “spirit of worship” an excuse to bypass copyright laws, or is it time for the industry to professionalize its sampling standards?

Beautiful Nubia. photo credit Beautiful Nubia Fb

Experience the Legend Live!

If you want to hear the original “Seven Lifes” melody and more of Beautiful Nubia’s timeless catalog, catch him live this month:

• LAGOS: Sunday, Feb 22 | 51 Adekunle Fajuyi Way, GRA Ikeja | 5 PM – 9 PM | Fee: 10K

• IBADAN: Saturday, Feb 28 | 1 Soun Ajagungbade Ave, Bodija | 5 PM – 9 PM | Fee: 10K

Written by Boom RadioNG