Nigerian singer Harrison Okiri, popularly known as Harrysong, has reflected on how his highly publicised fallout with fellow artiste and former label boss, Kcee, affected his music career and creative process.

Harrysong and Kcee’s 5ive Star Music parted ways in 2017 after the Delta-born singer accused the label of withholding royalties, unfair treatment and placing restrictions on his creative freedom. The dispute quickly became public, with Harrysong also claiming he wrote several hit songs for Kcee during his time at the label — allegations that sparked strong reactions and prolonged exchanges between both parties.

Speaking in a recent interview with Jusmen 105.7 FM, Harrysong admitted that the ongoing feud became a major distraction at the peak of his career.

“The beef with Kcee used to distract me, it used to affect the music. Because most of the time, instead of recording, I would be thinking of how to reply Kcee and continue to fight. So, it distracted me. It affected my creativity,” he said.

The singer, however, revealed that the chapter has now been closed, confirming that he has resolved his issues with Kcee and 5ive Star Music. He also noted that personal growth and experience have helped him develop a thicker skin, making him less vulnerable to controversies that once slowed him down.

Opinion: When Industry Feuds Become Career Detours

Harrysong’s confession is a rare moment of honesty in an industry where public feuds are often glamorised. His experience highlights a hard truth: while controversy may keep an artiste in the headlines, it can quietly drain the energy needed to create meaningful work.

The music industry is already demanding enough without the added burden of personal battles played out in public. Harrysong’s story serves as a reminder that unresolved conflicts can derail focus, creativity and momentum — sometimes without the artiste even realising it in the moment.

More importantly, his willingness to move on shows maturity. Growth, as he suggests, is not just about chart success but learning when to step back from distractions and return to the art itself. For younger artistes watching from the sidelines, the lesson is clear: protect your creativity, because once it’s consumed by conflict, everyone loses.