- UFC champion Israel Adesanya has filed a $5 million lawsuit against Afrobeat singer Superstar YB for unauthorized use of his voice in the track Jealous featuring Nigerian artist Terry Apala.
- Superstar YB allegedly included a UFC title victory clip in a song without Adesanya’s permission, sparking controversy over the song’s introduction.
- Superstar YB’s EP, Proudly Nigerian, featured the song, gaining international traction and peaking at number 4 on Apple Music’s Top 100 Worldwide Chart, confirming the unauthorized material.
Nigerian-born UFC champion Israel Adesanya has reportedly initiated a $5 million lawsuit against Afrobeat artist Superstar YB concerning the unauthorized use of his voice in the song “Jealous (Faaji),” which features fellow Nigerian musician Terry Apala.
The dispute revolves around the song’s introduction, which allegedly incorporates a recording of Adesanya celebrating a UFC title victory and proclaiming himself a “two-division UFC champion.” Reports indicate that Superstar YB included this audio clip in the track without obtaining prior consent from Adesanya.
Furthermore, the song was subsequently included in Superstar YB’s acclaimed EP, “Proudly Nigerian,” which has garnered considerable international attention. The EP achieved a peak position of number 4 on Apple Music’s Top 100 Worldwide Chart, thereby extending the reach of the purportedly unauthorized content.
This lawsuit emphasizes the intersection of sports and music, as both Adesanya, a prominent figure in the UFC, and Abimbola Jeremiah Popoola, known as Superstar YB, share Yoruba heritage and a profound connection to Nigeria. Nevertheless, this cultural affinity has not prevented Adesanya from pursuing legal action regarding the use of his voice.
Attempts to reach representatives from both Adesanya and Superstar YB’s teams have not yielded any responses at the time of this report. The outcome of this case remains uncertain, but it highlights the critical importance of respecting intellectual property rights within the creative industries.
Adesanya, recognized for his prowess in the UFC and his engaging persona, has consistently celebrated his Nigerian heritage throughout his career. In parallel, Superstar YB has emerged as a leading figure in the Afrobeat genre, fusing traditional Yoruba elements with contemporary global influences.
This legal action highlights an emerging trend in which athletes and celebrities are becoming more vigilant regarding the protection of their image and intellectual property. This is particularly relevant as their brand evolves into a valuable asset within a digital and interconnected landscape. Observers will now anticipate whether this conflict will be settled in court or through alternative means.
