Nigerian music legend Terry G has sparked a heated debate after admitting to using Ay.com’s hit song without permission, boldly stating: “Your favorite artists do it all the time.”
The “Akpako Master” made the revelation during a live Instagram session, defending his decision to sample Ay.com’s “Lagos to Abuja” beat for his new track.
His justification? “In music, nothing is entirely new. Everyone borrows.”
Ay.com initially called out Terry G on Twitter: “Respect is key. At least acknowledge the source.”
However, some producers admit beat similarities are inevitable in a genre built on familiar rhythms.
Under Nigerian copyright law, melodic and lyrical theft is punishable, but beats exist in a gray area.
Many hits, including global Afrobeats crossovers, have faced similar accusations.
Terry G later clarified he meant no disrespect, but stood by his stance: “Music is like cooking—we all use the same ingredients differently.”
