Nigerian singer Darlington Okoye, better known as Speed Darlington, has released a controversial new diss track titled ‘Baby Oil,’ where he aims Afrobeats star Burna Boy, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and American rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs.
The track comes just weeks after Darlington’s online jabs at Burna Boy, questioning his ties to Diddy, who is reportedly facing legal trouble with the FBI over alleged sexual exploitation. Reports of nearly a thousand bottles of baby oil being seized from Diddy’s home have further fuelled speculation.
Darlington, 39, previously hinted that Burna Boy’s association with Diddy might have influenced his 2021 Grammy win, suggesting that the rapper’s backing played a crucial role.
Recall that these comments, shared on social media triggered and led to Darlington’s arrest on charges of defamation and cyberstalking against Burna Boy.
Following his release on bail, he channeled his experience into the creation of ‘Baby Oil,’ a track that has quickly climbed Spotify’s daily charts. On Sunday, he announced the release of its accompanying music video.
In ‘Baby Oil,’ Speed Darlington delivers his trademark blend of humour and provocation, openly mocking his detention and criticising the EFCC. The singer portrays himself as resilient, unshaken by the accusations levelled against him. With playful jabs at Burna Boy’s connection to Diddy, Darlington’s lyrics allude to the controversy surrounding the American rapper’s legal issues while maintaining a lighthearted tone.
The track’s notable opening line, “EFCC dey give bed, DSS dey give food,” showcases Darlington’s defiance, suggesting that even legal confrontations won’t intimidate him. He frames himself as someone who has “survived ground zero,” alluding to previous challenges he has overcome and asserting that further attempts to threaten him will be ineffective.
Furthermore, in a part of the song, where he said “Clear conscience fears no accusation,” Darlington suggests that Burna Boy’s reactions are unfounded, while he remains composed and untroubled. He further jokes about future business plans, mentioning his intent to sell “baby oil” with the help of local distributors like Abutex, adding a touch of humour to his punchlines while showcasing his entrepreneurial ambitions.
The track also features a moment of gratitude, with Darlington thanking those who supported him during his arrest, including figures such as former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, Biafran political activist Simon Ekpa, and legal activist Deji Adeyanju. He uses these acknowledgements to reinforce his image as someone who thrives on loyalty and public backing.
‘Baby Oil’ is packed with jabs and subtle ridicule, positioning Speed Darlington as a “fearless critic” unafraid to confront the industry’s big names. His bold approach and playful style have attracted both praise and controversy, further solidifying his reputation as a provocative voice in Nigerian music.
