Controversial Nigerian singer, Speed Darlington, has appealed to Grammy-winning musician, Burna Boy, to withdraw the charges against him and bring an end to their lingering dispute.
The singer, whose real name is Darlington Okoye, made the appeal in an apology video shared on his Instagram page on Thursday. He expressed regret over comments he previously made about Burna Boy, admitting that his remarks might have caused the Grammy winner pain and embarrassment.
Speed Darlington, popularly known as Akpi, also promised to refrain from making direct or indirect comments about Burna Boy’s sexuality if the singer agreed to withdraw the charges.
The latest development comes amid a prolonged disagreement between the two entertainers, which escalated in October 2024 after Speed Darlington questioned Burna Boy’s Grammy Award win for his album, Twice as Tall.
In a video shared on social media at the time, Speed Darlington insinuated that Burna Boy’s alleged relationship with American music executive Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs had contributed to his Grammy success.
Burna Boy subsequently petitioned the police over allegations of defamation and cyberstalking, leading to Speed Darlington’s arrest in Lagos on October 4, 2024.
He was later transferred to Abuja, where he remained in detention before his release on October 9, 2024.
Speed Darlington Apologises to Burna Boy
In his latest video, Speed Darlington acknowledged that he was wrong to assume that everyone had the same temperament and said he wanted the disagreement between them to end.
Addressing Burna Boy directly, the singer apologised for any emotional distress and embarrassment his comments might have caused.
He said:
“This video is for Burna Boy. Burna, this is an apology video. I apologise for any pain that I have caused you. Any shame that I have caused you.
“I made the mistake of thinking that everybody vibrates at the same frequency. That’s wrong of me. I apologise, Burna Boy.”
Singer Promises to Stop Commenting on Burna Boy
Speed Darlington further pledged to stop making remarks about Burna Boy’s sexuality, whether directly or indirectly, provided the Grammy-winning singer withdrew all charges against him.
He also promised not to mention Burna Boy’s name again if the legal dispute was resolved.
He added:
“I give you my word that if you withdraw all charges and let everything die, I give you my word that I will never make any direct comment regarding your sexuality.
“Even indirect comment. I will no longer try sustain. I give you my word. Let peace reign.
“I promise I will never use my mouth to mention your name.”
The appeal marks another development in the highly publicised disagreement between the two Nigerian entertainers, with Speed Darlington expressing his willingness to move on and put the controversy behind him.
However, it remains to be seen whether Burna Boy will accept the apology and agree to withdraw the charges.
