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The official music video for Seyi Vibez’s hit song Different Pattern has been removed from YouTube after a copyright complaint linked to the song’s opening sequence. The takedown has sparked conversations within the Nigerian music space about sampling, ownership rights, and the growing scrutiny artists face in the digital era.
According to available information, the issue centres on the song’s intro, which draws from works associated with two revered Nigerian music icons — late highlife legend Orlando Owoh and Apala music pioneer Musiliu Haruna Ishola. While the introduction pays homage to traditional sounds, the complaint reportedly focuses on the alleged unauthorised use of Orlando Owoh’s material.
The removal of the video occurred in the early hours of the day, surprising fans who had helped push Different Pattern into one of the most recognisable songs from Seyi Vibez’s December 2023 EP, NAHAMciaga. The project enjoyed massive commercial success, dominating streaming platforms and ranking among Nigeria’s most-played bodies of work throughout 2024.
At the height of its popularity, Different Pattern stood out as a fan favourite, praised for its reflective lyrics and the fusion of old-school Nigerian music elements with modern street-inspired sounds. The YouTube video amassed significant views before its sudden removal, adding to the disappointment expressed by listeners online.
The song was released during Seyi Vibez’s time with Dapper Music, his former record label. The singer officially severed ties with the label in September 2024 and has since been operating independently under his own imprint, Vibez INC. However, because Different Pattern was released under the previous contract, issues surrounding rights, licensing, and responsibility remain complex.
Seyi Vibez has built a reputation for creatively reinterpreting classic Nigerian music in his work. Beyond Different Pattern, he has previously incorporated samples from well-known songs, including gospel singer Sola Allyson’s Eji Owuro, which appeared on his Billion Dollar Baby project. Those earlier releases did not publicly attract similar disputes, making the current development more notable.
The situation highlights the fine line artists walk when sampling legacy music. While sampling is often celebrated as a way to preserve cultural heritage and introduce it to younger audiences, it also requires strict legal clearance — especially when the original creators are deceased and rights are managed by estates or representatives.
Orlando Owoh, who died in 2008, remains one of Nigeria’s most respected highlife musicians. Known for leading the Omimah Band, his influence on Yoruba highlife music is widely acknowledged. Musiliu Haruna Ishola, who passed away in 1983, is equally revered as the pioneer of Apala music, with classic works such as Oroki Social Club still studied and celebrated today.
Music industry observers say the takedown reflects broader challenges facing contemporary African musicians as global platforms enforce copyright rules more strictly. With digital streaming services relying heavily on automated detection systems and formal complaints, even homage-driven samples can result in removals if proper permissions are not secured.
As of the time of reporting, Seyi Vibez and his management team have not issued an official statement addressing the copyright claim or confirming whether steps are being taken to resolve the dispute. It also remains unclear whether the video will return to YouTube after licensing matters are settled.
For now, the removal of Different Pattern serves as another reminder of the evolving relationship between creativity, cultural preservation, and copyright law in today’s music industry — a balance that continues to test artists navigating modern platforms while drawing inspiration from the past.
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