Popular ‘Vijana Tuwache Mihadarati’ singer Stephen Otieno aka Stivo Simple Boy has addressed claims that Tanzanian singer, Harmonize stole his song.
Stivo alongside Byzzo who featured in the song ‘Inauma’ accused Harmonize of using the line “inauma but itabidi uzoee” in his song ‘Hainistui’ without seeking their permission.
In an Instagram video on Stivo’s page, the two artists said that fans have been bombarding them with numerous calls and texts after the release of ‘Hainitustui’ on January 3, letting them know that their song has been ‘stolen’.
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“Hata mimi nimeshinda kupigiwa simu natumiwa matexts mafans wanasema ngoma yetu ya ‘inauma but itabidi uzoee’ imeibwa na Harmonize bana. Na kutoka si tu upload hiyo ngoma hakuna mtu yeyote amewahi tuomba ruhusa kutumia hiyo ngoma hata tumeongea na management yetu tumewauliza kama kuna communication imefanyika but wamesema hakuna tho wanaendelea kuchunguza. So venye si tuko hapa hatujui anything na hakuna mtu alituomba ruhusa,” said Byzzo
Steve simple boy captioned the video, “Habari ndio iyo, Hii inauma but itakua ngumu kuzoea.”
Netizens react
As much as a section of fans supported the rapper, a few felt he was seeking unnecessary attention. Some urged him to let the issue go and instead of complaining, be grateful to Harmonize for recognizing his song and at least trying to promote him.
“Shukuru Mungu ngoma yako imefanywa na msanii mkubwa… Acheni kutafuta attention na itabidi mmezoea @stivosimpleboy,” wrote a user by the name @edduh.mmoja.
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“Frankly speaking I thought harmonize was just supporting a brother... Wakenya mnachosha,” added @billy_cash_antonio
Joining in, a user by the name @Spikestv explained that what Harmonize did should not be referred to as stealing since he only used a phrase in the song, a common occurrence in music.
“At times you people really fail me. Kuna difference kubwa sana na hizo ngoma mbili... What you both have used ni phrases tu... Kama ‘Who Got The Keys To My Bimmer’ na ‘Parte After Parte’ hakuna ngoma imeibwa hapa bana... Simple boy wacha hii mambo na utoe ngoma mpya tunangoja.”
Repeat offender?
Although Stivo’s management has tried to reach out to the Tanzanian singer, he is yet to respond to the claims.
This is not the first time the ‘Atarudi’ hit maker has been accused of lifting another creative’s work.
Sometime last year, music producer Magix Enga accused the singer of sampling ‘Dundaing’ in his song ‘Uno’ which saw the song being pulled down from YouTube.
However, after talks between the two musicians, the song was re-uploaded with Magix Enga explaining that he had forgiven the Bongo Flava star.
And just like Steve Simple Boy’s situation, the Tanzanian big shot did not publicly address the accusations levelled gainst him.
