Speed Darlington Claims Top Spot in Nigeria's Music Scene

On October 22, 2026, Speed Darlington, a controversial Nigerian rapper known as Akpi, released a video in which he proclaimed himself the number one artiste in Nigeria. He ranked Grammy-winning singer Davido in second place and Flavour in third.

In the video, Darlington referred to himself as the king and "papa" of Nigerian music, placing himself above other major acts. He initially softened his tone regarding Davido, acknowledging him as having a good heart, but later criticized Davido's tendency to engage with critics, contrasting it with Wizkid's strategy of ignoring detractors.

This self-promotional stance is consistent with Darlington's history of making bold claims about his status in the music industry. His comments have sparked renewed discussions among fans about the hierarchy of Nigeria's top artistes.