Jovial vs Otile Brown: A Timeline of Their Public Fallout

What began as a discussion about music royalties has grown into one of the Kenyan entertainment industry’s most talked-about public feuds.

Over several days, singers Jovial and Otile Brown exchanged accusations through interviews and Instagram Stories, revisiting disagreements over royalty payments, songwriting credits, career support and their personal relationship before the dispute eventually came to an end with a public apology from Jovial.

The interview that reignited the dispute

The latest chapter began after Jovial appeared on the Alex Mwakideu TV Podcast, where she reflected on her former working relationship with Otile Brown. While acknowledging that the singer played an important role in helping introduce her to a wider audience, she claimed financial disagreements overshadowed their successful collaborations.

“Working with Otile Brown was okay. Payments were the biggest problem.” — Jovial.

Jovial said she would never collaborate with Otile Brown again, despite appreciating the opportunities they shared. She centred her concerns on royalties from their 2021 hit Such Kinda Love, which became one of Kenya’s most successful love songs. According to the singer, she struggled financially even as the song gained popularity.

“Such Kinda Love ikitoka mimi nilikuwa nalala chini… but I wasn’t getting anything.”

Jovial claimed she signed a split-sheet agreement but never received her copy. She also alleged that when she followed up on royalty payments, she was informed that those responsible for disbursing the money had allegedly been instructed not to send her payments.

She further described Otile as difficult to work with during collaborations, claiming disagreements extended beyond finances.

Otile Brown responds

Otile Brown dismissed the allegations, saying they ignored the realities of Africa’s music business.

He explained that he had also spent years without collecting publishing income because he lacked sufficient knowledge about music publishing and royalty administration.

According to him, many African artists still struggle with publishing systems and revenue collection.

He maintained that he supported Jovial throughout her career, claiming he wrote several of the songs they recorded together and regularly shared money whenever projects generated income.

Otile also alleged that he paid hospital bills after Jovial gave birth and arranged transport for her after she was discharged.

He further claimed he encouraged collaborations that helped expand her career and accused her of releasing one song without his approval.

“The problem is not the opportunities. It is the decisions made afterwards.” — Otile Brown.

Jovial demands proof

Jovial quickly rejected Otile’s account. In a series of Instagram Stories, she challenged him to publish receipts, conversations and payment records supporting his claims.

“Paid which songs and hospital bill? Wewe hulipi watu! Wewe ni mbinafsi.”

She maintained that she received only one cheque worth KSh150,000 in March 2023 after repeatedly complaining about unpaid revenue.

She also shared screenshots of conversations and payment receipts, including messages with producer Vicky, saying they demonstrated that she personally pays producers and collaborators.

Jovial insisted the dispute had never been about personal differences but about transparency over royalty percentages and split sheets.

She further alleged that Otile once told her she would never succeed without him, comments she said affected her emotionally.

“Take accountability. You’ve drained me emotionally and mentally.”

The feud takes a personal turn.

As both artists continued responding publicly, the disagreement gradually shifted beyond music business issues.

Otile referenced aspects of their past personal relationship, including claims surrounding medical support and a DNA test involving Jovial’s child.

Jovial later said this marked the point where she no longer wanted to continue the public exchange.

She expressed discomfort that her child had become part of the conversation, saying some matters should remain private regardless of personal disagreements.