Fast-rising TikTok sensation and live-streaming star, Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, recently found himself in the middle of a heated controversy after making dismissive comments about Nigerian singer Runtown. During one of his live streams, Peller openly refused to have Runtown join his session, sparking an online uproar that had netizens and music lovers talking.
The Controversial Comment That Started It All
The drama began when fellow streamer, Oju, suggested bringing Runtown onto their live session. However, Peller immediately shut down the idea, questioning who Runtown was and downplaying his status in the music industry. In a statement that many found disrespectful, Peller said:
“Wetin be Runtown? That one never blow. We no know am. Give me another person. Don’t bring upcoming artists on my live video. Na artistes wey don blow well well I want.”
These remarks didn’t sit well with Runtown’s loyal fanbase, who quickly took to social media to defend the singer. Many criticized Peller for being ignorant of Runtown’s achievements, while others called him disrespectful for disregarding the artist’s contributions to Afrobeats.
Who is Runtown?
For those unfamiliar with Runtown, the singer-songwriter has been a force in the Nigerian music industry for over a decade. He gained widespread recognition with hits like Gallardo, Mad Over You, and For Life, solidifying his place as one of the most talented artists in the Afrobeats scene. His unique blend of Afropop, reggae, and R&B has won him fans both locally and internationally.
Runtown’s influence in the industry is undeniable, and while he may not have been consistently dropping hits in recent years, he remains a respected name in Nigerian music. This made Peller’s comments all the more shocking and offensive to many.
Backlash and Peller’s Apology
As soon as Peller’s remarks went viral, social media erupted with reactions. Some users called him out for being uninformed, while others felt he was simply trying to chase clout. The backlash was so intense that Peller was left with no choice but to address the situation.
In a follow-up livestream with content creator Elizabeth Amoudu, Peller admitted that he knew who Runtown was but claimed he was too young to have experienced the singer’s peak years in the industry. He pleaded for forgiveness, offering a humorous but sincere apology:
“When I was listening to Runtown’s music that time, I was too young to even use a phone. Peller never come town when Runtown dey Runtown. Please, forgive the poor boy. Let him breathe. God won’t shame us. I’m sorry, my brothers and sisters.”
While some fans appreciated the apology, others felt it was too little, too late. They argued that Peller, as a public figure, should be more mindful of his words, especially when speaking about established artists.
Peller’s Rising Influence
Despite the controversy, there’s no denying that Peller has grown into a major social media personality. Known for his high-energy live streams, he has hosted major celebrities like Olamide, Davido, and even former world boxing champion Anthony Joshua. His influence in the digital space continues to expand, and his visits to high-profile locations, such as the Okoya mansion in Lekki, Lagos, only add to his growing status.
However, this incident serves as a reminder that with great influence comes great responsibility. Peller’s comment about Runtown may have been unintentional or made in jest, but it highlights the growing divide between traditional musicians and social media influencers who are now shaping conversations in the entertainment industry.
Final Thoughts
While Peller’s apology seems to have eased some of the tension, the incident has reignited discussions about respect in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Should influencers be more careful with their words? Should artists like Runtown be doing more to stay in the spotlight?
One thing is certain: Runtown’s legacy in the music industry remains intact, and Peller, despite his misstep, will likely continue to dominate the TikTok scene. Whether this controversy will affect his credibility in the long run remains to be seen, but for now, it looks like the internet is ready to move on—until the next viral moment.
If you enjoyed this article, click here to read more informative posts, also check us out on Instagram for fun and engaging content.
Disclaimer: The opinions, views, and information expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of iNaijanow. The company assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or damages arising from the use of this information.
