Terry G recently addressed the issue surrounding his collaboration with Wizkid on the song ‘Mary Jane’ during an appearance on the Afrobeats Podcast. He explained that back when the song was recorded, collaborations in the Nigerian music industry were often based on mutual love and respect among artists, without the formalities of clearance that are common today.
In his conversation with host Adesope, Terry G expressed that the song was initially created out of camaraderie and shared creativity, without considering the need for legal clearance before its release. However, he acknowledged that the music industry has since evolved, becoming more professionalized with clearances being a standard practice.
The situation escalated when Wizkid’s legal team contacted Terry G’s management, issuing a takedown notice for the song due to the lack of prior clearance. In response, Terry G instructed his team to comply with the request and take down the song.
Despite the legal issue, Terry G emphasized his enduring respect and admiration for Wizkid, whom he holds in high regard as a significant figure in contemporary Nigerian music. He described Wizkid as the “Jay Z of his generation,” highlighting the impact and stature of the Grammy-winning artist.
The incident surrounding ‘Mary Jane’ has sparked interest among fans and observers, especially considering the song’s release in 2024 despite being recorded years earlier. Terry G’s candid explanation sheds light on the informal practices that characterized collaborations in the earlier days of Nigerian music, contrasting with the more structured approach required in today’s industry.