This archive report was first published on 27 June 2020.
South African rapper Sho Madjozi ignited a heated debate on Twitter when she accused Nigerian singer Burna Boy of influencing British rapper Stormzy to pull down a remix of 'Own It' she had done on YouTube.
Released in November last year, the song, which features Burna Boy and Ed Sheeran, has garnered over 44 million views on YouTube.
Madjozi claimed that Burna Boy asked Stormzy's team to take down the song immediately after they were both nominated in the same category for the BET awards.
She tweeted, 'For those asking where the #Ownitremix is, after I got nominated alongside him for BET Best International Act, Burna boy asked Stormzy’s team to take down the song immediately.'
Madjozi insinuated that Burna Boy considered her a big threat, saying, 'Well, i guess it’s a good sign if manna shook. Last year BB and I were cool at the BETs. I guess everyone thought this little girl isn’t a threat, now same category!?!? It’s shaking Smiling face with smiling eyes🤷🏽♀️Grinning face with smiling eyes.'
Burna Boy responded, denying any involvement in the removal of Madjozi's remix and advising her to be professional in her communication.
He tweeted, ‘Own It is not my song. If my voice is on it, however, it should have been properly cleared. If the remix wasn’t cleared with the label (Atlantic US) it automatically gets flagged. Nothing to do with me personally or any award. Always best to reach out professionally. Congrats on BETs!’
Madjozi fired back at Burna Boy, questioning the validity of his claims and accusing him of being dishonest.
She tweeted, 'To believe this I would have to believe that: 1. The song got automatically flagged a month late by coincidence. 2. When they said you wanted it down they meant your label. 3. A big international label would release a song without clearing it. It’s a lot Burna,'
