Nigerian music star Kingsley Okonkwo, popularly known as Kcee, has finally spoken in detail about his strained relationship with fellow highlife singer Flavour.
The tension between both artistes came to public attention in 2024 after Flavour shared a cryptic post shading an unnamed colleague for allegedly copying his musical style. Though no name was mentioned, Kcee interpreted the message as a jab and publicly fired back, accusing Flavour of trying to gatekeep Igbo cultural music. He also reminded him that he joined the industry before him.
Speaking during an interview with Yanga FM Lagos, Kcee revisited the origins of their relationship, revealing that his first encounter with Flavour happened years ago when talent manager Soso Soberekon brought the then-upcoming artiste to him for a potential record deal.
According to Kcee, he turned down the opportunity to sign Flavour because, at the time, he didn’t see the potential.
“Soso brought him to me to sign to my label,” he said.
“I told Soso I couldn’t sign Flavour because I didn’t see the potentials in him then. It wasn’t personal.”
Kcee, however, believes the rejection is not the cause of their current issues. Instead, he suggested that ego and underestimation from colleagues may be fueling the tension.
He explained that some artistes often underrate him because of his humility and refusal to brag about his achievements.
“Till now, I don’t understand the reason for his beef with me,” Kcee said.
“When people expect you to remain stagnant and you keep growing, it can annoy them.”
He emphasised that he was already established by the time Flavour came to Lagos:
“I came into the music industry before Flavour. I was already driving exotic cars and balling before he came to Lagos.”
Despite the perceived animosity, Kcee maintained that time will reveal the truth, adding that his consistent work over the years has silenced many doubters.
“A lot of my colleagues underrate my talent because I don’t brag. But time always proves them wrong. My work speaks for me,” he said, noting that several industry peers who once doubted him have since apologised.
The singer left the door open for reconciliation, stressing that only time will determine whether the matter with Flavour will be resolved.
