Romance dominated the past year. Even if you were not swept up in romantic moments , 2024 without a doubt taught you something new about your relationships—with your friends, siblings, parents, co-workers, or even strangers on the street. We spoke to ten young Nigerians, asking them to share their biggest lessons  from relationships in 2024 to help you better navigate 2025. 

Nwanchukwu*(26)

For love to work, both parties can’t reciprocate everything to the same degree– especially anger. Talk things through, even if it takes time.  If you really care about someone, malice shouldn’t be your first assumption when they act out of character.

Star*(28)

Being single is the greatest gift of peace you can give yourself when faced with less-than-desirable options. It’s better to be single than to settle for someone who only meets your bare minimum criteria.

Papi*(26)

You can do everything right and be the sweetest person to someone you love, yet it still might not work out—and that’s completely okay. Take all the time you need to heal, pick yourself up, and try again, bringing the same love and kindness to the next person.

Mima*(25)

The biggest lesson I learned in 2024 was the importance of regularly reflecting on my own needs and desires in any relationship. I also learned that vulnerability is crucial in forming fulfilling and meaningful connections.

Tomi*(28)

Relationships are like plants, you get what you put into them. Some are sturdy, like jade plants or cacti, resilient and able to thrive in tough conditions. Others are delicate, like orchids or bonsai trees, requiring specific care. It’s up to you to understand the type of relationship you have and provide what’s needed to keep it healthy and thriving.

Adeoluwa*(24)

Love happens in the most unexpected ways and can be found in surprising places. I learned that being more open to opportunities for new meaningful relationships is key to living a fulfilled life.

Ken*(24)

 Being intentional about deepening the relationships that matter can lead to pleasantly surprising outcomes. I was very intentional about building a relationship with my younger brother and I was very surprised at how much I didn’t know him—and how interesting he is as a young adult. I highly recommend it.

Bolu*(31)

Honesty and trust are non-negotiable in any relationship. Without them, a relationship becomes hollow and won’t withstand tough times. I learned this firsthand through a difficult breakup.

Sade*(23)

Set realistic expectations for the people you are in relationships with, whether they’re your partners, friends, family, or anyone else. I’m learning to extend as much consideration to others as I would to myself

Damola*(27)

Love is hard work, whether romantic, platonic or familial. If you want to receive love, you can’t just stand by; you have to actively check-in, hold space, and build trust.

Deeply personalised gifts

Forget basic teddy bears and cliché flower bouquets—2024 was all about hyper-specific gifting. Nigerians stepped up their game, opting for presents that showed they really paid attention to their partners. The goal? To say, “I know you better than anyone else.”

The secret bae

You’re glowing,  your captions are cryptic, and your Instagram Stories keep teasing a blurred-out hand, a silhouette or worse– a large emoji blocking someone in a group photo. This trend has taken the Nigerian dating scene by storm, as people vaguely share snippets of their love lives without revealing too much. Whether it’s to avoid unnecessary attention from village people or keep the relationship free from online drama, the secret bae culture thrives on curiosity. The guessing games in the comments? Pure entertainment. 

The hard launch

On the flip side of the secret bae is the hard launch. When Nigerians are ready to introduce their partners to the world, they don’t hold back—they go all out with the pre-wedding shoot. Think  Sharon Ooja’s level of hard launch. The general public didn’t know who her fiance was until she announced the wedding, and that’s exactly the vibe many couples embraced this year.

His view, her view

This photo trend has been a favourite among couples since it came on the scene—and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.  Couples share photos of their dates from their respective perspectives, showing off their partners. It’s nothing serious, just something to press single necks every now and again.

Ice cream dates

Simplicity and whimsy made a comeback in 2024, with ice cream dates leading the charge. While high-end restaurant dinners remain a dream for many, some Nigerians rediscovered the charm of something sweet and casual. Ice cream dates are relaxed, cost-efficient, and perfectly suited for this economy. If it’s going well, you can upgrade to a movie for your next date. If it’s not? Well, at least you got some ice cream out of it.

Long dates

Why go on multiple dates when you can have one that lasts all day—or several days?   Long dates became a trend this year, with couples spending extended time together to test chemistry in various settings. Plus, in this economy, saving fuel is a bonus. It’s not for everyone, but it works! 

“Let’s Just Vibe” Situationships

Commitment-phobia has a new anthem:” Let’s just vibe”.  This go-to phrase is perfect for those who want the perks of a relationship without the labels or effort. It’s all fun and games—until someone catches feelings. 

Coordinated fits

Matching outfits are no longer just for weddings and owambes. Couples are stepping out in subtle or fully coordinated looks for casual outings, photoshoots, or even errands. It’s giving power couple energy—or as some might say, “just like my parents in the 90s.”

The surprise visit

This trend, popular among long-distance couples, took the year by storm. One-half of the couple surprises the other by showing up in their city or country unannounced. Because really, what’s romance without a little yearning and surprise? 

Curated playlists

Physical love letters may be out, and well-curated playlists are officially in. Nigerians expressed love through music in 2024, by curating special playlists just for their lovers. Some even took it up a notch by embedding playlist links in necklaces for peak romance.

If 2024 taught us anything, it’s that love is a rollercoaster. While couples seem to have collectively thrived this year, it’s hard to say the same for single people who were looking to change their dating status

Since first dates are where the magic often happens, we spoke to ten young Nigerians about their most memorable first date moments this year. From awkward silences to over-the-top romantic gestures, here’s a roundup of the good, the bad, and the downright weird.

“She switched up after I showed up in an Uber”— Chris*, 31

I met Pinu during a football practice match with some friends and decided to ask her out because I really liked her. I’m well off financially, but I’m not extravagant, so people rarely know how much I make.
Unfortunately, my car had issues that day, so I took an Uber to the date. When she realized I didn’t come with a car, her attitude changed. She started stonewalling me and making comments like, “I hope we won’t wash plates here when it’s time to pay o”. I brushed it off and tried to steer the conversation. I mentioned we could check out another popular Lagos restaurant next time, but she sneered and said,” Who will pay for that one?” 

It was just a very weird and uncomfortable experience. I paid for the date and sent her some money for Uber back home. When she saw the credit alert, her mood completely shifted, and it really turned me off. I didn’t message her again after that night.

“We got caught up in the rain and stayed under a tree.”—Kemi*, 20

I’d had a crush on the youth church drummer for a year, so I was over the moon when he asked me out to lunch one Sunday in May.  While it wasn’t anything fancy because we went to Chicken Republic, it was the perfect time to spend together. We couldn’t stop talking the entire time. Later,  we went for a walk, got caught in the rain and had to seek shelter under a tree till it subsided.   We continued talking the entire time, and the entire experience felt so cute and romantic.   It’s the best date I’ve been on this year.

“We spent 30 minutes watching the stars.”— James*,26

I met a girl at a house party in France recently. She was the flatmate of the host, and after chatting for a bit, I asked for her number. When she agreed to go on a date,  I asked ChatGPT to search for cool events happening in Paris that weekend. I found out about a star and moon viewing at the planetarium at the City of Science Exposition in Parc de la Villette.

We spent 30 magical minutes watching the stars  and she then  told me it was the coolest date she’d ever been on and wanted to take me out for drinks after. We went to a museum, had  coffee and spoke the entire time until the sun set..

“He left me to pick up the bill.”— Toke*,24

This year has been so weird for dating. I was love-bombed by this guy who kept blowing up my phone, telling me he really liked me and all that. After some months, I agreed to go on a date with him. He chose the venue, and we went out to eat.  The date seemed fine at first, but midway, this dude said he needed to use the bathroom— and never came back.  I had to pay the bill, and thank God for savings because I that could have been embarrassing. . When I got home, I realised he had blocked me and I just cursed him out.  

 “She talked about herself the entire two hours we spent together.”— Chisom*,29

I’d liked this girl for a few months before I finally asked her out. We met through a mutual friend, and our conversations had always been great. But on the date, it was like I was meeting a different person. We were there for about two hours, and she talked about herself the entire time. I tried to get a word in, but no luck. She wasn’t interested in talking about any other subject, so it just felt like a two-hour lecture about her life. I did not ask her on another date after that.

“We only had raves and drinking in common.”— Peace*,27

Two months ago, I met a girl at a rave. She had neon paint on her cheeks, her skin glistened under the flashing lights, and she had this infectious energy about her. We danced, exchanged contact information, and started talking regularly. I took her out to dinner, hoping to get to know her better. However, the more we talked, the more I realised the only things we had in common were raves and drinking. It didn’t bode well for us after that. The date itself wasn’t the issue; I just didn’t think we were compatible.

“We spent four days together.”— Martha*,25

At a Friday night club party, I met someone I really clicked with. We danced, talked for hours, and when it was time to leave, she asked to come home with me. It was an uncommon request, but I said yes. 

However, what should have been a one-night hangout turned into four days of non-stop fun. It felt like a really long date because we just kept going from my place to her plac,e or we’d go out together. We talked, watched movies and cooked together. It was a very lovely experience.

“She was extremely late to our date.” — Femi*,28

I asked this girl I really liked on a date, but it ended up being a disaster. . It was dinner at a restaurant.  She arrived  30 minutes late, and instead of apologizing, she said, ”You know Lagos traffic now.”The rest of the date didn’t go well. I  kept trying to carry the conversation, but we weren’t clicking. It felt forced. It was odd because conversations with her were seamless before I asked her out. I felt like I wasted my time.

“I won our games because he let me win.” — Teri*,23

 I met this guy on X (formerly Twitter) because we bonded over our shared love of anime. After a few months, he visited Lagos from Abuja, and we met in person for the first time. It was one of my favourite dates ever. We grabbed ice cream and talked about anime and our hobbies for hours. We also went to an arcade and played games. He let me win most of them, which was really sweet.  The date was really cute, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

“I found flowers for her on a Sunday in Ibadan.”— Deji*,26

I only went on one first date this year, and it was incredible. She was schooling in Ibadan, so I travelled down for the weekend. She had an orchestra show on Saturday, so I arrived early to watch her perform. We met briefly afterwards, but the main plan was for Sunday.

Initially, I’d wanted to plan an outdoor picnic, but I couldn’t find a functional park, so I switched to a movie and dinner. She’s a huge Dune fan, and since Dune 2 had just dropped, we went to see it. I hadn’t even watched Dune 1 before then, so I binged it the night before to keep up. After the movie, we hit the arcade, and she beat me at most of the games.

By the time we parted ways to prepare for dinner, I couldn’t stop thinking about how much fun we’d had. I’d considered getting her flowers earlier but felt it was too much for a first date. Now, I regretted not getting them. While updating my friends, one of them encouraged me to still go for it and even offered to cover the cost.

It was already late, and finding a flower vendor in Ibadan on a Sunday seemed impossible. But I got lucky with one who agreed to open her shop just for me. I rushed to pick them up and made it just in time for dinner.

The flowers were the perfect touch to an already amazing date. I’m so glad I went the extra mile—it made everything feel even more special.

How did you guys meet?

It was through my sister’s ex-boyfriend. This was in December 2020, and my sister posted a photo of her boyfriend’s brother, Micah*, on her WhatsApp status. I told my sister I thought he looked good. My sister told her boyfriend, and he got excited and asked me if I liked Micah as a friend or something more. I said maybe it was a little bit of both, so he gave me Micah’s number. I sent him a message introducing myself, and that’s how our conversations began.

So when did you guys become official?

January 10, 2021. We started talking right after Christmas in December. Our first conversation was so smooth and enjoyable that we never stopped talking.  So in January, I asked him out, and we started dating.

What was the beginning of your relationship like?

Omo, it was the best time of my life. I don’t think I’ve been in a relationship that was as good as this one with Micah. The first two weeks were the sweetest honeymoon phase ever. We lived far apart from each other in different cities, but we talked all the time. 

What happened after the honeymoon phase?

We started having significant issues. Micah had to return to school for a course, so we became a long-distance couple. He lived in another city with poor road conditions, and my strict parents made it difficult for me to visit him. Adjusting to this new reality of a long-distance relationship was very difficult for me. He called me a lot though. If there were an award for the most video calls, we would have won. 

However, I felt like he put zero effort into seeing me physically, and that hurt. I reluctantly adjusted to the distance, but then I started to sabotage the relationship.

How so?

I wasn’t used to dating people in my age range, so it took some getting used to. Plus I liked bad boys and needed the gbas gbos, toxic factor in a relationship to keep me excited.  So I felt like he was too good for me because he’s really laid back. If I was wrong in a fight, Micah would apologise. 

 Once, in 2022, I told him I cheated on him. It was a lie, and I said that just for the fun of it.  But I didn’t expect his reaction: he started apologising, saying it must have been something he did that made me cheat. I was so blown away and kind of disappointed. Then shortly after, I actually started cheating emotionally: I was talking to someone else. In my defence, I told him, but guess what he said? He said he’d work on himself so I wouldn’t have to look outside for anything.

How did his declaration make you feel?

I felt bored.  He wasn’t going to fight with me or get mad, so I ghosted him. He texted for weeks, and I didn’t reply or acknowledge them. In May or June 2022, he stopped reaching out.

So when he stopped texting, did you reach out?

Yeah, I did. In October 2022, I texted him, told a few lies to explain my ghosting, and managed to get back into his life. We started talking regularly again.

So you guys got back together?

We almost did, but I ghosted him again. I’m sorry I can’t help myself. I left him for another relationship in December 2022. This time, though, we didn’t speak for over a year till he replied to one of my posts in early 2024. We started talking again, and we became official for the second time in April 2024.

Omo, you’re starting to look like the villain here

I was for a long time until this man switched up on me. I couldn’t believe it.

What happened?

Our relationship was short-lived. We started dating in April 2024 and were done by May. Micah had just graduated from the course he returned to school for and was processing his clearance. He came to my city in April, stayed a few days, and we had a wonderful time. Then, he switched up after he left. He suddenly didn’t pick up my calls or reply to my messages.

Did you confront him?

I did, and he admitted that he knew exactly what he was doing. He said he felt bad about it and confessed he wanted some space. I tried to break up with him, but he claimed that he wanted our relationship; he just needed space. I talked to my sister and close friends, who advised me that this guy was trying to do a soft breakup and I shouldn’t fall for the bait. So I told Micah I wasn’t doing the space thing with him and that we should break up in peace. He tried to force us to stay together, but I had made up my mind.

What happened next?

Well, things got really complicated. I found out I was pregnant. 

Whoa, did you tell Micah?

Yes o. When I wasn’t sure, I told him I was going to the hospital, but I was praying that it wasn’t a pregnancy. Micah was like, “Why should we pray? It’s not pregnancy.” 

When it became definite I was pregnant, he advocated that we keep the baby. I didn’t want to because I’m still at university, and I don’t want to disrupt my studies for a baby. 

Micah’s family is wealthy, so I guess that’s where his confidence came from. My family is average and quite strict —I didn’t see how I could go and tell them I was pregnant without serious consequences. 

Micah was in la-la land talking about his excitement to have kids with me while I was seriously thinking about how to make this baby fit in with my plans for my future. I talked to my cousin, who was a medical student, and he detailed the process of an abortion and how every second was crucial if that was the route I wanted to go. It sounded painful and scary, and I didn’t want to do it, so we opted to keep the baby.

Then he switched up completely.

Tell me how

Micah hinted his mum about the pregnancy, and she reacted angrily. She said he was too young, and even if he was going to have a baby, he couldn’t have one out of wedlock. Micah came to tell me he changed his mind and we should get rid of the pregnancy. By this point, I was already three months pregnant. 

I was so upset and needed emotional support, but Micah left me hanging completely. He promised to send money to get the procedure done, but then he stopped replying to my messages and became hard to get a hold of. 

The pregnancy hormones had started to get to me; I couldn’t eat, and I was so uncomfortable, but Micah treated me like a stranger. I couldn’t recognise him at all. To me, there was no way the guy I met back in 2021 would treat me like this, yet here we were.

My sister accompanied me to the procedure because Micah claimed he was too busy to come. Tell me why I saw him on my sister’s boyfriend’s snap in my city, grabbing drinks and chilling. I was overwhelmed with anger.

The procedure was painful and traumatic. I cried for hours. The next day, I called him and cried on the phone for more than thirty minutes, and he was silent the whole time. He said he was busy, and he would call me back. He never called back. I bled for a month straight, and he didn’t check on me once. 

Oh my goodness, that’s horrible

See, I asked him for money to go to the hospital when the bleeding didn’t stop, and he said, ”Are you asking me for permission to go to the hospital? Okay, you have my permission; go.” I had to use my own money to sort things out. Again, he didn’t reach out to me at all. I had it out for him after that, and we didn’t speak for a few months. Then he reached out to me like nothing had happened.

How did you respond?

I won’t lie; I responded to his messages. After the abortion and the aftermath, I took my walk with God more seriously and learned forgiveness. In church, they talked about how Christians shouldn’t hold grudges against people who wronged them and how forgiveness can be freeing. So I let all the hurt and anger go.

Micah told me he still liked me, and I have to admit, he’s the exact type of guy I would love to settle down with because of his personality. I still like him a lot, but I’m choosing me right now.

Do you guys still speak?

Oh yeah. It’s nothing like when we just met but we respond to each other’s posts on social media, and I even wished him a happy birthday this past November. 

Do you think you guys will ever get back together?

I doubt it. While I admit I still have a soft spot for him, and I would love to settle down with someone like him, it’s just too soon to even consider him. He sometimes says he feels like I’m too good for him, but I’m in a happy relationship right now, so I’m not concerned. I’m just grateful to God for delivering me from that Scorpio spawn of the devil.

Love stories and books from the north of Nigeria celebrating the culture and capturing the romantic essence of natives are not mainstream on reading shelves. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best love stories and romantic Hausa novels by Hausa writers for you to enjoy. 

MATAR GWAMNA by Azizat Hamza

Matar Gwamna (The Governor’s Wife) is a political romance that follows the story of Governor Saifuddeen Kachallah, the then deputy governor of Congo State (a fictionalised state in Nigeria), who becomes governor after the sudden death of his predecessor. Asiya Shahidah Faruq, a vibrant young journalist, believes Governor Kachallah is corrupt and lacks empathy for the people. But, in an unexpected twist of fate, her life becomes entangled with the governor’s.

What happens when the governor’s wife digs into Governor Kachallah’s secrets and vows to end his political career? And what happens when revenge collides with love?

The book is available on Wattpad and ArewaBooks or as free audiobooks here.

IDAN AN CIZA by Jamila Umar (aka Janafty)

Idan An Ciza tells the story of two star-crossed characters who grew up in vastly different backgrounds. Fatima Mimi, the daughter of a wealthy army general, falls for  Mansoor Aji,  the son of a maid. Ten years ago, Mimi’s father separated the young lovers and threatened Aji never to contact his daughter again, leaving Mansoor with a grudge that festered for years.

Now a successful football captain, Mansoor Aji returns to ask for Mimi’s hand in marriage. But is it for love or revenge? Find out when you read Idan An Ciza on Wattpad or ArewaBooks.

KU DUBE MU by Batul Mamman

This story revolves around the lives of soldiers’ wives in Nigeria.

Maryam’s life takes a tragic turn when her husband is presumed dead on a mission in Liberia, leaving her to raise their young children alone. As she grapples with grief, family challenges and the sudden blindness inflicted on her by her stepsister, Maryam’s resilience is put to the test.

Ku Dube Mu is available on Wattpad.

MR AND MRS MAIDOKI by Azizat Hamza

After their 10th-anniversary dinner ends in a public scandal, Bilikis and Adam Maidoki are banished by their affluent family to a remote village for six months. Their marriage counsellor believes this time apart will help them rediscover the spark in their love and save their marriage.

But can Adam’s betrayal—cheating on Bilikisu with her best friend—be forgiven? Or will they tie up the fraying ends of their 10-year marriage and find happiness again? Find out when you read Mr and Mrs Madoki on Wattpad or ArewaBooks.

The midnight WhatsApp epistle

Everyone who’s tried to get their ex back knows this move. It’s 2 a.m., and their phone lights up with a message so long it could pass for a novel. It usually starts with, “I’ve been up thinking…” and spirals into a detailed analysis of where things went wrong, coupled with poetic declarations of love.

For maximum effect, attach screenshots of old chats or photos to trigger that sweet, sweet nostalgia.

The emotional voice note

If typed-out words won’t cut it, the emotional voice note is your next best option. Recorded in a quiet room, with deep sighs, sniffles, and long pauses to emphasise sincerity, it is designed to melt the coldest of hearts

You can even send multiple voice notes in quick succession, creating an unintentional podcast of apology.

The friend-as-mediator strategy

Why do the dirty work yourself when you can enlist a mutual friend to plead your case? This strategy works best when the friend delivers lines like, “You know Femi really loves you, right?” and “She hasn’t eaten since this whole thing started.”

Sometimes, your friend might add their own freestyle: “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to them; please don’t let pride ruin this.” Whether it works or not depends on your ex’s tolerance for third-party involvement sha.

 The social media subtweet

For the dramatic apologisers, social media is your stage. Start with cryptic tweets like, “Some people don’t realise what they have until it’s gone,” or outright pleas on Instagram stories: “To the one who got away, I’m sorry for everything.”

If your ex doesn’t respond, switch to creating a TikTok video montage of your best moments together. Publicity might not fix the relationship, but it’s guaranteed to spark conversation.

The playlist of regret

When words fail, let music do the talking. Curate a playlist filled with heartbreak anthems and love songs that scream regret. 

Call the playlist “Take Me Back” or “I Miss Us” and load it with tracks like Westlife’s “Fool Again” or Adele’s “Someone Like You.” Send the playlist link with a message like, “Every song reminds me of you.” It’s corny but sometimes effective.

The grand public gesture

This is for those who believe in “go big or go home”. Pull grand romantic gestures like surprising them at their workplace with flowers, a handwritten apology note, or even hiring a saxophonist to play their favourite song.

It’s the stuff of rom-coms, but be sure your ex is one who appreciates PDAs before you go down this route.

Nigerian TV families, both blood related or found family, are full of chaos, love, and unforgettable moments. From the no-nonsense antics of The Johnsons to the chaotic drama of My Flatmates, there’s a family for everyone. Take this quiz to find out where you truly belong.

How did you and Danny* meet?

I had just moved to the mainland to focus on building my music production business. The landlord where I stayed didn’t allow me to set up my studio, so I was looking for a cheap room to rent and use as a workspace. Danny and I were supposed to collaborate on a song, but when he heard I was looking to rent, he suggested I use the empty room in his flat for free. 

I was excited, but I didn’t want to take advantage of his kindness, so I suggested producing and mixing his songs at a discount since we were both just starting out. He agreed, and we started hanging out for work and drinks. His place was close to Unilag and my flat, so it worked out great.

How did this business arrangement go?

It went smoothly at first. Danny and I worked on six or seven of his songs. To be honest, I didn’t think he was a good artist, but God forbid I spit on someone’s dream. My job was to make beats and ensure his songs sounded  good, and I did my job well. Then cracks started forming in our friendship.

What happened?

It started with him randomly dodging me. I wanted to use the studio to work with other clients and build my portfolio, not just Danny. While he agreed to it initially, he started making ridiculous excuses whenever I wanted to bring clients over.  

At first, I didn’t think much of it, but I began noticing a pattern. Something always came up whenever I wanted to use the studio for other clients, and my resentment started building. I worked around it by lying that I was coming over to work on his songs and then bringing my clients along.

Eventually, he started acting high-handed and arrogant, which I initially brushed off as him being sensitive. But it became irritating, and I started reconsidering our arrangement. What was the point if I couldn’t use the studio freely and had to deal with his behaviour?

Right. So you stopped working with him?

Not immediately.  Our business relationship was strained because of his silly behaviour, but our friendship was still okay. We often met at his store near Unilag to drink and chill in the evenings. Funny enough, it was  a car accident that finally ended our  friendship.

An accident? How did that happen?

I used to casually see someone in Unilag before I met Danny. One day, my babe and her friend joined us at our regular drinking spot. We all got drunk and went our separate ways. What we didn’t know was that one of the girls had Danny’s car key in her bag.

Danny’s car was a push-to-start car so as long as the key was inside, it would start. We dropped the girls off at Unilag and didn’t realise the key didn’t come home with us until it was too late.  I suggested we wait till the next day to get the key since we were both drunk, but Danny insisted we drive back to Unilag in my car. On our way to Unilag, I dozed off at the wheel, and we got into a really bad accident. My car was badly damaged, but thankfully, we weren’t injured. Since the accident happened near his house, he suggested I use his mechanic. It didn’t seem like a bad idea, so I agreed.

The mechanic worked on my car but started delaying the delivery of my key. I went to try to retrieve it, and the man told me I needed “Brother Danny’s” permission to take my car because that was the instruction he’d received.  I almost lost it. I’d paid for the repairs myself, so I couldn’t understand why I needed someone else’s permission to get my ride back. 

Did you confront  Danny about this?

Of course. His response was ridiculous. He said I had to give him all of his songs I’d worked on before he’d tell the mechanic to release my car. Mind you, he didn’t even want to pay the discounted price we’d agreed on. I told him it wasn’t happening, and he started dodging me. In his small mind, this was his way of getting the songs for free, and it wouldn’t fly with me. I hate being cheated.

What did you do next?

I paid him a surprise visit very early on a Saturday morning because I knew he’d be home. I had a spare key to the flat,  so I let myself in and went straight to his room. There was a girl in his bed, but when she saw me, she packed her things and left. After she left, it was just Danny and I in the room. I asked him to call the mechanic to release my car, and he refused, saying I had to drop the songs first. I rolled up my sleeves and beat the living daylights out of him.

Ah!

Oh yes, I beat him until I was tired. I kept saying, “Give me my car key, and I’ll leave your house,” but he refused. He started yelling and threatening to get me locked up. Then he picked up his phone and called in some soldiers. When I saw him making the call, I called my friends too. I was ready for war. Luckily, the soldiers and my friends arrived at the same time. I knew how to talk to military people, so instead of fighting, I explained the whole situation to them. They agreed Danny was wrong for impounding my car and said he also had to pay me the discounted amount we had agreed on for the songs.

I collected my money–₦170,000 at the time—and my car key that day. I also packed up my studio equipment from his house. The funniest part? After the whole debacle, we all went out for drinks, including the fool who was holding on to my key.

Have you guys spoken since that time?

Two or three months later, he tried to talk to me like nothing happened, but I aired him. We’re civil if we have to interact in public, but that guy is not my friend.

I even heard one of his recent releases and I sleep well at night knowing his music career can never blow.