Davido, Zlatan, VDM, Phyna, and Others: Nigerian Celebrities who clashed in October 2026

Nigerian entertainment, in October 2026, has witnessed a series of heated exchanges, unexpected confrontations and public fallouts involving some of the country’s biggest names. Musicians, reality television stars, actors and social media personalities have found themselves at the centre of public confrontations, some involving sharp exchanges on social media and others ending in physical contests before thousands of spectators.

From the tension surrounding Zlatan Ibile’s controversial lyrics and VeryDarkMan’s response to Phyna’s explosive Instagram Live confrontation, the month has produced several moments that have kept entertainment discussions active. Davido’s broken relationship with the activist also returned to public attention following fresh revelations by content creator Kokopee, while VDM’s business rivalry with Blord took another turn after the activist showcased his power station production arrangements in China.

The month has also featured unexpected encounters between music industry rivals, celebrity boxing contests and renewed arguments among supporters of Nigeria’s biggest Afrobeats stars. Some of these disagreements have roots stretching back several years, while others developed through recent social media exchanges. Here are the major celebrity clashes and controversies that shaped Nigeria’s entertainment scene in October 2026.

Zlatan Ibile vs VeryDarkMan: Controversial Lyrics, INFERNO, Wedding Publicity

The disagreement between rapper Zlatan Ibile and social media activist VeryDarkMan became one of the most discussed entertainment controversies towards the end of October, following a line in a newly released song that listeners interpreted as a possible reference to the activist. The controversy centred on INFERNO, a song featuring Zlatan, Peruzzi and Shoday, which attracted attention beyond its musical content after a particular lyric began circulating online.

During his verse, Zlatan said, “I no be Vincent, I no fit masturbate.” The reference to Vincent immediately caught the attention of listeners familiar with VDM’s full name, Martins Vincent Otse. Although Zlatan did not publicly confirm that the line was directed at the activist, the interpretation quickly gained momentum because of their history of disagreements surrounding the late singer Mohbad.

Their differences date back to the aftermath of Mohbad’s death in September 2023. VDM repeatedly questioned the conduct of individuals within the singer’s entertainment circle and raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding his death. Zlatan also became a subject of discussions because of his relationship with Mohbad and his association with people mentioned during the controversy. The rapper has not been charged with any offence relating to Mohbad’s death, while VDM continued making references to him during subsequent discussions.

The disagreement received another dimension in July 2025 when VDM released what he presented as an alleged telephone conversation involving Zlatan and Sam Larry. The recording generated fresh discussions about the relationship between the individuals involved, although its circulation did not independently establish wrongdoing by the rapper.

VDM’s response to the perceived lyrical jab came on October 28, 2026, when he attacked Zlatan’s music career, album publicity and traditional wedding to Davita Lamai. He questioned whether the rapper’s latest song could maintain the number one position on Apple Music Nigeria for an entire month, saying, “Wetin go pain me be say if this your song no do number 1 for Apple Music for one month.”

Zlatan Ibile

He also mocked the publicity surrounding Zlatan’s wedding, claiming that the celebrations had been used to promote the rapper’s album. VDM said, “Person wey do a whole wedding because he won promote him album, album no blow, wedding no blow.” He further argued that the blogs which covered the wedding had not generated the level of engagement he expected, adding, “All the blogs that posted the wedding, no one entered 5k comments. All the PR, Vincent everywhere.”

The controversy became more interesting on October 30 when reports indicated that INFERNO had reached number one on Apple Music Nigeria and the Nigerian iTunes chart. The development brought renewed attention to VDM’s challenge, although the activist had specifically questioned whether the song could sustain the position for an entire month. Zlatan had yet to publicly confirm that his lyrics were aimed at VDM.

Phyna vs VeryDarkMan: Crackhead Allegation, Instagram Live Outburst

Former Big Brother Naija winner Phyna also became involved in a public confrontation with VDM towards the end of October following an exchange connected to a discussion about a school project involving Burna Boy and the activist. The disagreement escalated after Phyna reportedly felt that VDM had directed an insulting description towards her following her participation in an Instagram Live conversation with socialite King Mitchy.

The discussion took place on October 26, 2026, with the school project VDM said he funded alongside Burna Boy forming part of the conversation. The project had attracted attention following claims concerning money allegedly owed to the activist by the singer. Phyna’s involvement in the discussion eventually brought her into another controversy after a comment attributed to VDM began circulating online.

The activist was alleged to have described the reality television star as a crackhead. The exact wording of the original comment was not independently reproduced in the available reports, but Phyna took the alleged description seriously and decided to address the matter publicly.

On October 29, she went live on Instagram to challenge the description and explain her position. Responding to the allegation, Phyna said, “I smoke just substances. I don’t do crack.” Her response soon moved beyond the alleged insult as she directed criticism towards VDM’s family and brought up an old allegation involving his mother and a bank.

Phyna made the accusation during the broadcast, saying, “But your mother is a thief. Your mother is a freaking thief, bro. Your mother literally go. She went to the bank to steal, bro.” The remarks added another dimension to the disagreement because the reality television star had moved from defending herself against an alleged personal insult to making accusations involving the activist’s mother.

Verydarkman

Her comments generated further discussions online, particularly because of the nature of the allegations and the decision to bring a family member into the exchange. As of October 30, VDM had not issued a direct public response to Phyna’s Instagram Live outburst, leaving the confrontation centred on the reality television star’s accusations and the original comment attributed to the activist.

Davido vs VeryDarkMan: Kokopee Reveals Details of Their Broken Friendship

Davido’s relationship with VDM returned to entertainment headlines after content creator Kokopee shared his account of how he allegedly attempted to intervene when the relationship between the singer and activist deteriorated. The revelation attracted attention because both personalities were previously regarded as friends, making their fallout a subject of continued interest among their followers.

Kokopee, who is associated with VDM, spoke about the disagreement in a video circulating around October 28, 2026. According to his account, VDM contacted him to complain about something Davido had allegedly done. Kokopee said he advised the activist to reach out to individuals close to the singer, mentioning Israel and Ubi as people who could potentially help address the situation.

He also claimed that Davido contacted him privately to discuss the disagreement. Kokopee explained that he attempted to communicate VDM’s feelings and why the activist believed he had been betrayed. However, according to his account, Davido did not agree with his interpretation of the situation.

The content creator further claimed that VDM eventually questioned his involvement, asking whether Davido had promised him a free music collaboration. The alleged question reportedly made Kokopee reconsider his position because he did not want his attempt to mediate between both men to be interpreted as disloyalty.

The situation received another twist on October 30 when Davido appeared to challenge Kokopee’s account by posting a cap emoji. The expression is commonly used on social media to suggest that something is false or fabricated, and the singer’s response generated fresh questions about the events surrounding the breakdown of his relationship with VDM.

Davido

Kokopee subsequently defended himself against those questioning his story, insisting that he had not disclosed the contents of his private conversation with Davido. He said, “I did not disclose the content of my chat with Davido, and Davido is not too big to message me.” He also maintained that his involvement was not motivated by financial interests, declaring, “I’m only humble, not hungry.”

The disagreement has kept attention on the circumstances surrounding Davido and VDM’s former friendship. Although Kokopee’s account suggested that feelings of betrayal played a role, neither the singer nor the activist had publicly confirmed his explanation as the definitive account of their fallout.

VeryDarkMan vs Blord: Ratel Power Station, Chinese Factory Dispute

VDM’s disagreement with businessman Blord also featured prominently in October, with their differences increasingly connected to their respective interests in the power station and electronics market. The activist’s entry into the power solutions business through his Ratel brand attracted attention after he began showcasing imported equipment and sharing details of his commercial expansion.

One of the developments that brought renewed attention to the rivalry was VDM’s visit to a Chinese manufacturing facility involved in the production arrangements for his power station products. He shared footage showing aspects of the factory and explained the manufacturing process behind the equipment, including his claims about the quality of the lithium batteries used in the products.

On October 29, VDM released another video in which he appeared to take a swipe at individuals who had previously questioned his business plans. He declared, “Time to separate boys from men,” while showcasing the production arrangements behind his Ratel power stations.

The activist also suggested that Blord had rushed into a similar business following the unveiling of his own project. These comments formed part of the wider business rivalry between both personalities, although the claims about the circumstances surrounding their competing products remain allegations made during their public exchanges.

Blord had previously questioned aspects of VDM’s shipment, including its weight and authenticity. The businessman and activist have also had disagreements involving business branding, product pricing and legal proceedings, making their latest exchange part of a longer-running dispute.

Blord and Verydarkman

VDM’s factory footage subsequently generated another round of online discussions, particularly because it provided an opportunity for him to showcase the production arrangements behind his business. As of October 30, there was no clearly documented direct response from Blord to the activist’s latest factory video.

Burna Boy vs Davido: Unexpected Handshake at Zlatan’s Bachelor Party

An unexpected encounter between Burna Boy and Davido became another major entertainment talking point in October after both musicians were filmed exchanging handshakes at Zlatan’s bachelor party in Lagos on October 22, 2026. The moment attracted considerable attention because of the longstanding tension between the 2 Afrobeats stars and the history of public disagreements surrounding their relationship.

Davido and Burna Boy previously enjoyed a working relationship, with both musicians having connections through collaborations and the Nigerian music industry. Their relationship, however, became strained around 2020 following a series of social media exchanges and perceived lyrical shots. Davido’s song FEM also attracted attention because some listeners interpreted parts of its lyrics as references to Burna Boy.

Their differences continued through subsequent years, with another public exchange in 2024 adding to the perception that the relationship between both singers remained unsettled. Their appearances at different events and occasional social media references have continued to generate discussions whenever their paths appeared likely to cross.

The handshake at Zlatan’s bachelor party therefore became particularly significant. Videos circulating on October 23 showed the musicians exchanging greetings, with reports also suggesting that they had a private conversation at the venue. However, claims that both singers entered a private room to settle their differences were not independently confirmed.

Zlatan’s relationship with both musicians also made the encounter interesting. The rapper has collaborated with Davido on Osanle and Burna Boy on Killin Dem, maintaining professional connections with both artists despite their differences.

Neither Davido nor Burna Boy publicly announced a reconciliation following the encounter. Their handshake nevertheless provided one of the month’s most talked about entertainment moments, particularly among fans who have followed their rivalry over the years.

Carter Efe vs Speed Darlington: Birthday Cake Incident, Celebrity Boxing Victory

Comedian and streamer Carter Efe’s disagreement with rapper Speed Darlington moved from social media exchanges to a boxing ring on October 1, 2026, during the Independence Day edition of Balmoral Promotions’ Chaos in the Ring event in Lagos. The contest followed weeks of insults, challenges and public confrontations between both entertainers.

Their rivalry developed after Carter Efe defeated Portable by unanimous decision in a celebrity boxing contest in May 2026. The victory attracted attention from other entertainers, including Speed Darlington, who subsequently challenged the comedian to a fight.

Both personalities continued exchanging insults ahead of the scheduled contest, with their rivalry becoming more intense during promotional appearances. One of the most publicised moments happened on September 29 during a press conference organised ahead of the fight, when Carter Efe’s birthday celebration turned chaotic.

Speed Darlington kicked Carter’s birthday cake to the ground, creating another confrontation between both entertainers. The event also experienced a brief disturbance after firecrackers set off by Carter’s entourage sparked a small fire.

Their disagreement eventually reached its conclusion inside the boxing ring on October 1. Carter Efe dominated the exchanges before the referee stopped the 4 round contest after Speed Darlington stopped responding to his attacks. The intervention handed Carter another victory in the celebrity boxing series.

Following the contest, Carter credited his partner, Taylor Jasmine, for giving him the strength to win, saying, “My woman, Taylor Jasmine. She’s the one that gave me the strength to win because I didn’t even train for this fight.” He also expressed interest in facing international personalities, mentioning DDG and Floyd Mayweather.

Phyna vs Nkechi Blessing: Movie Role Disagreement, ₦50 Million Boxing Prize

Phyna’s October controversies also included her boxing rivalry with Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing, which culminated in a contest at Balmoral’s Chaos in the Ring event on October 1, 2026. The disagreement between both women had become public in September following an exchange involving a movie role and comments made about Phyna’s conduct.

Nkechi reportedly criticised Phyna over a role in one of her productions and subsequently addressed the reality television star in an Instagram video. Phyna responded by sharing screenshots of their conversations and accusing the actress of targeting her despite their limited interaction.

The disagreement gradually developed into a celebrity boxing contest, with both women exchanging words during promotional appearances. Their confrontation became particularly heated at a September 29 press conference when Nkechi warned Phyna that she was prepared for the fight.

The actress declared, “I will beat you. You won’t do it again. This disrespect is too much. I am three million per cent prepared for the fight. My body is ready.” The exchange eventually became physical, with both women exchanging punches before organisers intervened.

Their contest took place on October 1, with Phyna emerging victorious after knocking out Nkechi Blessing in the 4th round. The reality television star reportedly received a ₦50 million reward, a championship belt and a new car following her victory.

Phyna’s win brought the disagreement into another phase, with the former BBNaija winner subsequently challenging actress Etinosa Idemudia to another celebrity boxing contest. The development also added to her eventful October, which had already featured her public confrontation with VDM.

Wizkid vs Davido Fans: Viral Video of Wizkid’s Father Sparks Online Exchange

The longstanding rivalry between supporters of Wizkid and Davido resurfaced in October following the circulation of a video showing Wizkid’s father, Muniru Balogun, attending Friday prayers around the Alaba Oro area of Lagos on October 23, 2026. The footage attracted attention after a social media user associated with Davido’s fanbase questioned why the father of such a wealthy musician still appeared to spend time in a modest neighbourhood.

The user criticised the situation, writing, “I can’t say Wizkid is rich, brr! You say you get money, but you still no fit give your papa a good life?” The comment quickly generated arguments between supporters of both musicians, with the discussion moving beyond the video to the familiar rivalry surrounding their wealth, achievements and family backgrounds.

Wizkid’s supporters defended his father, arguing that his presence in the neighbourhood was connected to personal attachment rather than a lack of comfort. An old post by the singer from 2024 also resurfaced during the exchange, providing an explanation he had previously given about his father’s preference for visiting the area where he grew up.

Wizkid had written, “U see his SUV in front right?!! he actually likes going back to our old hood to take walks ! see the old people and bless them with something small. That’s the kind of man that raised me!” The explanation became part of the renewed online discussion as supporters used it to challenge the criticism directed at the singer.

The controversy remained largely between rival fanbases rather than developing into a direct confrontation between Wizkid and Davido. Nevertheless, the incident demonstrated how quickly a video involving a family member of either musician can reignite arguments between their supporters.

October 2026’s Celebrity Rivalries, Public Confrontations

The entertainment controversies recorded in October 2026 have involved different personalities and issues, ranging from longstanding personal disagreements to business competition, disputed friendships and celebrity boxing contests. Zlatan and VDM’s exchange brought their history surrounding Mohbad back into public discussion, while Phyna’s confrontation with the activist added another layer to the month’s social media controversies.

Davido’s response to Kokopee’s account also revived interest in his broken friendship with VDM, while the activist’s latest exchange with Blord kept their business rivalry in the headlines. Meanwhile, Burna Boy and Davido’s handshake at Zlatan’s bachelor party offered a rare moment involving 2 musicians whose relationship has remained a subject of public speculation.

Carter Efe and Phyna also ended their respective boxing rivalries with victories over Speed Darlington and Nkechi Blessing on October 1. The renewed arguments between Wizkid and Davido supporters further demonstrated how entertainment rivalries can extend beyond the celebrities themselves, drawing their families, associates and fan communities into public debates.

The post Davido, Zlatan, VDM, Phyna, and Others: Nigerian Celebrities who clashed in October 2026 appeared first on WITHIN NIGERIA.