By Cookey Mba
Nigerian singer Kingsley Okonkwo, popularly known as Kcee, has finally spoken in detail about his long rumoured rift with fellow highlife star, Flavour.
The tension between both artistes resurfaced in 2024 after Flavour threw a cryptic jab on social media, accusing an unnamed colleague of copying his musical style. Although Flavour did not mention anyone directly, Kcee interpreted the post as a dig at him and responded, accusing Flavour of attempting to “gatekeep” Igbo cultural music. He also reminded him that he joined the music industry long before him.
Speaking during a recent interview with Yanga FM Lagos, Kcee revisited the origin of their strained relationship. The “Limpopo” hitmaker revealed that his first encounter with Flavour was many years ago when popular talent manager Soso Soberekon brought a young Flavour to him with hopes of securing a record deal.
Kcee, however, declined the request because he didn’t see the star potential in Flavour at the time.
He maintained that his decision was purely based on assessment and not personal issues, adding that he doesn’t believe the rejection is the reason behind their lingering tension. Instead, he attributed the perceived rift to superiority complex and the habit of some colleagues underrating him because he does not brag about his talent or achievements.
“Till now, I don’t understand the reason for his beef with me,” Kcee said. “Some people had written me off, thinking I would remain stagnant. But when you work hard and rise to a level they never expected, problems start.”
He continued: “Soso Soberekon brought Flavour to me years ago to sign him. I was already driving exotic cars and living well before he came to Lagos. I told Soso I couldn’t sign him because I didn’t see the potential then. It wasn’t personal.”
Kcee added that his humility is often mistaken for lack of talent, noting that several colleagues have later returned to apologise after previously doubting him.
“A lot of my colleagues underrate my talent, partly because I don’t brag. But time always proves them wrong,” he said. “Some who doubted me before have come back to admit they were mistaken.”
Neither Flavour nor his team has publicly responded to Kcee’s latest comments at the time of this report.
