Over a decade later, the song is back in the spotlight, not for an anniversary, but for a bombshell claim dropped by a veteran voice: Bigiano, the man behind the timeless party anthem "Shayo," asserts that he penned the iconic hook that anchors "Dami Duro."
The internet, naturally, has exploded.
The Claim: A Veteran’s Revelation
In a recent viral interview, Bigiano made a quiet but explosive revelation while discussing his time away from the music scene and his planned comeback. He stated plainly: “I wrote ‘Dami Duro’ for Davido. I wrote the hook.”
This isn't just about sharing a writing session story; this is about laying claim to the pivotal piece of a song that redefined a career and helped shape the trajectory of modern Afrobeats. The "Dami Duro" hook—“Emi omo baba olowo, won fe dami duro” (I am the son of a rich man, they want to stop me)—is arguably the most recognizable line in Davido’s early catalogue, perfectly capturing his persona and defiance.
The Controversy: Where is the Credit?
The reason this has caused such a stir is simple: Bigiano is not officially credited as a writer on "Dami Duro."
The song’s widespread credits typically list Davido (David Adeleke) and the legendary producer, Shizzi, who co-produced the track. This discrepancy raises a crucial and often uncomfortable question in the Nigerian music industry: Who truly owns the intellectual property behind the hits?
The Industry Debate
The Ghostwriting Culture: Ghostwriting is common globally, but the credit—and the royalties—must follow the pen. Bigiano's claim shines a light on the transactional nature of the studio environment, where veteran artistes often mentor or contribute to younger acts. Was this a paid session, a friendly contribution, or a true co-write that never got its due paperwork?
Davido's Past Revelations: Interestingly, Davido himself mentioned Bigiano in the studio during the making of the track. In the Afrobeats: The Backstory documentary, Davido confirmed that Bigiano, along with Wande Coal and Shank, was present in the studio when the "Dami Duro" beat (which he made for Sexy Steel) was created and recorded. His presence is fact, but his contribution as a writer has been uncredited until now.
Why Now? The Timing of the Tell-All
Bigiano has been on a sabbatical, and his return to the spotlight is timely. Making a bold claim about one of the biggest songs in Afrobeats history is a surefire way to drive conversation and attract millions of eyeballs to his "resurrection."
While some fans are celebrating the veteran's contribution, others are questioning the timing, suggesting it's a promotional tactic. Regardless of the motive, it forces a long-overdue discussion about acknowledging the often-unsung heroes of Nigerian music—the songwriters, composers, and co-creators who lay the foundation for stardom.
The ball is now in Davido’s court. An acknowledgement could settle the debate, but silence will only allow the controversy and speculation to grow. For now, Bigiano's voice has brought the legendary anthem back to the front pages, proving that even a decade later, the story behind a classic hit is always ready for a new verse.
Hello, my name is Jack Sparrow. I'm a 50 year old self-employed Pirate from the Caribbean.
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