Israel Adesanya sues Superstar YB for $5million over unauthorized voice use

Nigerian-born UFC champion Israel Adesanya has allegedly filed a $5 million lawsuit against Afrobeat singer Superstar YB over the unauthorized use of his voice in the track Jealous (Faaji), which features fellow Nigerian artist Terry Apala.

The controversy centers around the song’s introduction, which reportedly includes a clip of Adesanya celebrating a UFC title victory and declaring himself a “two-division UFC champion.” According to reports, Superstar YB included this audio snippet in the track without seeking or obtaining Adesanya’s permission.

Adding to the matter, the song was later featured on Superstar YB’s critically acclaimed EP, Proudly Nigerian, which gained significant international traction. The EP peaked at number 4 on Apple Music’s Top 100 Worldwide Chart, amplifying the reach of the alleged unauthorized material.

The lawsuit highlights the intersection of sports and music as Adesanya, a global UFC icon, and Abimbola Jeremiah Popoola, popularly known as Superstar YB, both share Yoruba heritage and a deep connection to Nigeria. However, this shared cultural bond has not deterred Adesanya from reportedly seeking legal redress over the use of his voice.

Efforts to contact representatives from both Adesanya and Superstar YB’s teams have been unsuccessful at the time of this report. It remains to be seen how the case will unfold, but it underscores the importance of respecting intellectual property rights, even in the creative arts.

Adesanya, known for his dominance in the UFC and his charismatic personality, has been vocal about his Nigerian roots throughout his career. Similarly, Superstar YB has risen to prominence as one of the leading voices in the Afrobeat scene, blending traditional Yoruba influences with global sounds.

This lawsuit brings to light a growing trend where athletes and celebrities are increasingly protective of their image and intellectual property, especially as their brand becomes a significant asset in a digital and interconnected world. Fans will now wait to see whether this dispute is resolved in or out of court.