Zlatan Ibile’s newest release “INFERNO”, featuring Peruzzi and Shoday, has reignited the long‑running feud between the rapper and activist VDM, with the opening verse containing a direct reference to the activist’s first name, Vincent. The track, which dropped on 28 October 2026, quickly caught the attention of listeners who identified the line “I no be Vincent I no fit masturrbate” as a pointed jab at the controversial figure. The lyric has set social media ablaze, dividing fans and prompting a fresh wave of commentary on the feud that has lingered since the death of late singer Mohbad.
The dispute traces back to the aftermath of Mohbad’s tragic passing, when VDM publicly accused Zlatan of withholding crucial information about the circumstances surrounding the loss. The activist released alleged audio recordings and issued repeated ultimatums, demanding that the rapper break his silence. At the time, Zlatan chose not to respond, allowing the tension to simmer in the online sphere for years. By embedding a reference to VDM’s name within a popular song, many observers believe the artist has finally answered the call, using his music as a platform rather than a press conference.
Reactions to the lyric have been swift and polarized. Some users on Twitter and Instagram found the line amusing, posting jokes such as “Zlatan hold am for neck abegi 😂😂😂” and urging the rapper to “just free am and move on”. Others warned that the diss could backfire, noting that VDM has a history of digging up sensitive material that could affect the artist’s reputation. One commentator warned, “Musician go curse you wetin no good 😂 that verse go turn national item,” while another dismissed the line as “just another mumu projection”. The mix of humor and caution reflects the broader split among Nigerians over whether the rapper has crossed a line or simply defended himself.
The song’s release also coincided with other high‑profile events in Zlatan’s personal life. Earlier in the month, socialite Cubana Chief Priest posted a video of the rapper visiting Banana Island ahead of his wedding to longtime partner Davita on 24 October 2026. The outing, according to the priest, was meant to invite APC governorship hopeful Ifeanyi Odii to the ceremony, a gesture described as a sign of “love and brotherhood”. The timing of the wedding and the new track has amplified public interest, as fans now associate Zlatan’s personal milestones with his ongoing artistic battles.
Industry insiders note that using music to settle disputes is not new in the Nigerian entertainment scene, but the specificity of the lyric makes this case stand out. By naming VDM directly, Zlatan moves beyond generic diss tracks that rely on vague references. This approach could set a precedent for how artists address personal grievances in a market where lyrical content often fuels viral trends. The track’s producers, Peruzzi and Shoday, have not commented publicly on the controversy, keeping the focus squarely on Zlatan’s choice of words.
As the debate unfolds, the next steps remain uncertain. VDM has not issued an immediate response, leaving fans to speculate whether he will retaliate with another audio release or pursue legal avenues. Meanwhile, Zlatan’s management has stayed silent, perhaps gauging public reaction before deciding on a formal statement. Observers suggest that the outcome could influence how future feuds are managed in the industry, especially when personal accusations intersect with popular music releases.
For now, “INFERNO” continues to climb streaming charts, its controversial lyric serving both as a hook for listeners and a flashpoint for ongoing dialogue. Whether the line will deepen the rift or bring an eventual resolution remains to be seen, but the episode show how quickly a single verse can shift the narrative in Nigeria’s vibrant music and activist circles.
