Kenyan singers Juliet Miriam Ayub, popularly known as Jovial, and Jacob Obunga, alias Otile Brown, are embroiled in a public spat following the release of their new collaboration, Ulinihukumu.
The song has become the centre of a disagreement over whether it was released with the consent of both artists.
Otile Brown, 32, took to social media to distance himself from the track, insisting the release was unauthorised.
He warned fans that any version of the song circulating online should not be considered official, saying he had not approved its publication.
"I am really in a good space right now and I won't let anybody mess up my vibe. If you don't see me posting a collaboration song, just know it didn't get my approval," Brown wrote.
His remarks suggested frustration with the song's release process.
Jovial, 34, hit back on Instagram with an emotional response, accusing Otile of never wanting to see her succeed. She suggested his public disapproval reflected years of a lack of support.
"We sema tu you've never wanted me to win! For years! Tena usitake niongee," she wrote.
The dispute has been fuelled by an earlier video showing Jovial in tears while previewing the song, a moment many fans interpreted as a sign of the emotional significance the project held for her.
That clip has since resurfaced, lending weight to her claims as Otile continues to reject the release.
Businessman and musician KRG The Don has also weighed in, publicly backing Jovial and accusing Otile Brown of jealousy.
"He has never wanted to see the success of anyone they had a song together unless the song is uploaded on his platform. Scarcity mentality from day one. In all projects he did with Arrow, Pozze, Masauti and many others, they just fear to speak up!" he posted.