Veteran Fuji musician Alhaji Kollington Ayinla has shed light on the root causes of conflict and rivalry among Yoruba musicians, revealing that much of it is intentional and strategic.
In an interview on the Teju Babyface YouTube channel, the music legend explained that the Yoruba music industry thrives on a blend of rhythm, lyrical skill, and interpersonal drama.
According to Ayinla, many musicians intentionally engage in verbal exchanges and staged rivalries—not out of real hostility, but as a way to generate public interest and grow their fan base.
He noted that this culture of competitive banter has been an enduring feature of the industry, dating back to his era with contemporaries like Barrister, Ebenezer Obey, and Sunny Ade, and continuing today with artists such as Taye Currency, Saheed Osupa, and Pasuma.
Kollington’s remarks provide a revealing perspective on the frequent episodes of “beef” in Yoruba music—often criticized for fostering division, but now understood as, in part, a strategic marketing tactic. According to him, the orchestrated drama helps maintain fan engagement and injects energy into the genre, keeping it dynamic and emotionally resonant for listeners.
He said: “To tell you the truth, we Yoruba musicians often intentionally insult one another. If we don’t create fight or drama among ourselves, our audience will lose interest. So, we add a bit of drama to our music by throwing jabs at each other. This helps keep people engaged and grow our fanbase. I had disagreements with Barrister, and even Ebenezer Obey and Sunny Ade had their own disputes. If you look at today’s generation, it’s the same pattern with the likes of Taye Currency, Saheed Osupa, and Pasuma.
Watch interview below;