Singer Olawale Ibrahim Ashimi, better known as Brymo, has broken his silence over his loss at the 2023 All Africa Music Award (AFRIMA) following a petition signed against his nomination by Nigerians online.
Recall that the singer, who was against the presidential ambition of the Labour Party, LP candidate, Peter Obi came under fire over his incessant anti-Igbo comments. He had stated that “As long as there are talks by prominent people from Igboland about Biafra, an Igbo presidency will be a pipe dream.”
In response to the singer’s social media posts, Charles Ogundele started a petition against Brymo that has received support from over 47,000 Nigerians. Brymo’s disqualification would send a clear message that people cannot get away with overt racial discrimination.
Later, Brymo changed his mind and apologized to the tribe in front of the world during a live Instagram video.
He lost the awards to Mali-based Iba One after the petition and his apology.
In a recent interview, Brymo discussed the setback and revealed that, prior to his disqualification, he was looking forward to earning the prize.
He said, “I think, month before, I’d announced that I was no longer a musician but a sonic artist. It meant I was no longer eligible for awards that musicians get.
“AFRIMA nominated my song ‘Esan’, so I forgot all that and looked forward to the event. But I’m no longer a singer, so I don’t want it. There’s a songwriting category, but they shouldn’t nominate sonic artists. I was looking forward to it anyway, but I got into trouble speaking about Biafra leaving and staying.
“So, I stayed out of AFRIMA and didn’t attack the award afterwards. Not winning the award had nothing to do with the southeast fracas. Everything only just came together.”