Jaywon Claims Gospel, Afrobeats Artists Are Copying His Song ‘This Year’

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Nigerian singer, Oluwajuwonlo Iledare, popularly known as Jaywon, has stirred fresh debate in the music industry after alleging that both gospel and Afrobeats artists have been copying the style and template of his 2012 hit single ‘This Year’.

The singer made the claim on Wednesday, August 21, 2025, while reacting to his exclusion from Billboard’s recently released Top 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All-Time list. 

He expressed disappointment that his widely celebrated song did not make the cut, despite what he described as its undeniable cultural influence over the years.

Taking to his X handle, Jaywon wrote: “‘This Year’ by Jaywon had more viral moments and cultural impact than some tracks Billboard decided to rank. Trending since 2012 and still going strong. 

Tell me, who else has pulled that off? Hate is inevitable. Year after year, both gospel and Afrobeats acts copy the same vibe, yet we remain unshaken. Cry harder, I said it before, and I’ll say it again… No song on that list has more cultural impact than #ThisYear by Jaywon!!”

The Kogi-born singer, who first gained prominence after winning the Kennis Music Talent Hunt, stressed that his track has enjoyed a unique form of longevity that very few Nigerian songs have achieved. According to him, ‘This Year’ has continued to resonate with audiences, especially during festive periods, end-of-year events, and church celebrations.

Jaywon maintained that the fact gospel musicians and mainstream Afrobeats stars continue to replicate the style of the record is proof of its originality and lasting influence.

  “Both gospel and Afrobeats acts copy the same vibe,” he insisted, adding that he feels unfairly overlooked by the international recognition platforms that shape narratives about African music.

Billboard’s list, which has since sparked conversations among fans, placed 2Face Idibia’s classic ‘African Queen’ at number one. Other tracks in the top five include Wizkid’s ‘Ojuelegba’, Flavour’s ‘Nwa Baby’, Rema’s global hit ‘Calm Down’, and CKay’s viral record ‘Love Nwantiti’. While these songs have all achieved international acclaim, Jaywon argued that none have matched the cultural and spiritual impact of his own song.

Music analysts note that ‘This Year’ holds a special place in Nigeria’s soundscape, with its uplifting lyrics often used as a theme of hope, prayer, and celebration for new beginnings. 

Since its release, the track has become a staple at crossover services, weddings, graduations, and even in nightclubs, bridging both secular and spiritual audiences.

Fans of the singer have since rallied behind his claims, with many agreeing that the omission of ‘This Year’ from the Billboard list was a huge oversight. On social media, some users described the song as “a Nigerian anthem for new beginnings” and argued that its influence cannot be measured merely by international chart performance.

Jaywon, who has continued to release music and collaborate with younger artists, insisted that he remains proud of the legacy of ‘This Year’. He expressed confidence that history would vindicate his contribution to Nigerian music.

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