Nigerian singer Kingsley Okonkwo, popularly known as Kcee, has opened up on the long-rumoured tension between him and Highlife star Flavour, revealing why he once turned down the chance to sign him.
The pair publicly clashed in 2024 after Flavour shaded someone for “copying” his musical style. Even though no name was mentioned, Kcee caught the sub and fired back, warning Flavour to stop gatekeeping Igbo cultural sound.
Now, in a new interview on Yanga FM Lagos, Kcee says their issues trace back years before that online drama.
According to him, his very first encounter with Flavour happened through popular talent manager Soso Soberekon, who brought the young Flavour to him for a potential record deal.
But Kcee said he rejected the idea because he didn’t see the potential at the time.
“I told Soso I can’t sign Flavour because I didn’t see potentials in him at that time. It wasn’t because I had something against him”, Kcee said.
He added that long before Flavour became a household name, he (Kcee) was already well-established in Lagos.
“I came into the music industry before Flavour. I was already driving exotic cars and balling before he came to Lagos”, he noted.
However, Kcee insists that he does not believe Flavour’s alleged grudge stems from being rejected many years ago. Instead, he believes the problem is rooted in superiority complex and the underestimation of his own talent.
“Till now, I don’t understand the reason for his beef with me… When some people had written you off and you work hard to reach a level they didn’t expect you to reach, that was what happened”, he said.
Kcee also revealed that some of his colleagues assume he lacks talent simply because he doesn’t brag or make noise about his achievements.
“A lot of my colleagues underrate my talent. My humility contributed to that because I don’t brag. I don’t need it. But time will always prove them wrong”, he said.
He added that many people who doubted him in the past have since apologized after seeing how far he has come.
“My work always prove every doubter wrong. Some who doubted me before have come to apologise and admit they were wrong”, Kcee concluded.
With his latest revelations, the longstanding tension between the two stars is back in public discussion, leaving fans wondering if time will indeed mend the gap between Kcee and Flavour.