Femi One’s collaboration with Mejja ‘Utawezana’ has topped the charts, and has hit a new milestone, 5M views on YouTube.
But it seems it’s not all roses and champagne for the female MC, as she faces mounting pressure from fans to pay TikTok star Azziad Nyasenya who allegedly made the track go viral.
According to social media posts on Twitter, the King Kaka signee should pay Azziad for her short and sweet viral dance. But one thing that seems to be a bone of contention is whether the track was already a hit before Azziad’s dance or did the social media influencer drive the popularity of the track.
Which came first the chicken or egg?
Well, there are to schools of thought on the ‘Utawezana’ success story. Twitter pundit Bravin Yuri seems convinced that TikTok user Azziad elevated the success of the release. The track that dropped on April 1st 2020 on YouTube, has since gained popularity not only because it is a great song, but also due to the viral dance challenge.
According to Bravin Yuri, Azziad’s contribution is undeniable. He noted, ” If you go to the streets right now and start asking who sang #Utawezana, I am sure most people will likely say #Azziad and not Femi one. Femi One & Mejja made a great song. That I give them. But Azziad gave the song the necessary push. It wasn’t even 1M views before her video!”
Although the ‘Pilau Njeri’ rapper has not yet paid Azziad for her contribution to the ‘Utawezana’ success story; some insist that she should at least acknowledge her.
One Twitter user re-battled, “I never knew Azziad before were it not for the song I could not have known her!! Actually she’s the one who benefited most, that now she’s a brand of her own she should thank.” And it seems that many agree that aside from Femi’s success, Azziad has also gained exposure from the viral dance.
One user noted, “Nobody owes anyone anything here. It was mutually beneficial.”
In an age where social media is a vital element to the consumption of the creative arts, music, movies and more; it is difficult to define the success of any release as mutually exclusive. In fact, the case of Femi One’s ‘Utawezana’ only points to the fact that creativity comes in all forms and should be celebrated. Femi One created a dope track, while Azziad created an entertaining dance.
Both women have gained from the exposure of the track, both women win.
Do you agree?
