How Wizkid-Linda Ikeji rivalry played out at the MAMA

Earlier in the year, star singer, Wizkid and popular blogger, Linda Ikeji, literally set the online space on fire when they went for each other’s jugulars after Linda published a story about Wizkid’s alleged second baby mama, Guinean-born Binta Diamond Diallo.

Wizkid, who was incensed at Linda’s audacity for reporting the story which he wanted to keep under wraps, came for her with guns blazing. He was also ‘mad’ at her because she had published other unpalatable stories about him, like when he was allegedly given a quit notice on the Lekki house he initially claimed he bought. Among the invectives he poured at her, Wizkid stated that he has achieved far more than Linda ever did at the age of 25. He also told her that she is ‘just a blogger,’ and all the money she has wouldn’t change that. He also ‘cursed’ her that she would remain married to her laptop for life. At the height of the social media war, Linda also replied Wizkid, calling him a child, and claiming that she had never met him, and bore no grudges against him. She eventually reported him to the police authorities for threatening her life, and the police commissioner then got involved and urged them to live in peace afterwards.
Based on the history between the two achievers, many found it interesting that they were both nominated for the Personality of the Year at the 2016 MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA). They were nominated alongside Caster Semenya, Pearl Thusi, and Pierre Emerick Aubameyang. It was indeed an epic battle between the personalities involved, as they all had legions of fans rooting for them. However, both Wizkid and Linda lost out, as athlete, Caster Semenya walked away with the trophy. Beyond the personality award though, Wizkid emerged the man of the night as he picked three other awards: Best Male, Best Collaboration (which he won alongside South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa and DJ Buckz), and Artiste of the Year. Wizkid’s achievements on the night, coupled with the giant international strides he has recorded this year, has led many to conclude that the 26-year-old ‘Baba Nla’ singer did know what he was saying when he declared himself a bigger achiever than Linda. But will this put paid to the silent rivalry between the singer and blogger? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, other winners of the night inlclude Yemi Alade (Best Female), Sauti Sol (Best Group), Tekno (Best Breakthrough Act), Cassper Nyovest (Best Live Act), Serge Beynaud (Best Francophone), C4 Pedro (Best Lusophone), Shekinah and Kyle Deustche (Best Pop/Alternative), Emtee (Best Hip Hop), Drake (Best International), Hugh Masekela (Legend Award), Youssoupha (Video of the Year), Patoranking (Song of the Year), Jah Prayzah (Listener’s Choice), among others.

Source: Vanguard