₦airaland Forum

Controversial social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) has sparked fresh controversy online after claiming ownership of the popular phrase “Don’t Play,” alleging that it has been legally trademarked under his name.

The claim surfaced amid his ongoing online feud with music superstar Wizkid, following debates surrounding the singer’s statement about being “bigger than Fela.” Eyes Of Lagos reports,

In a video currently circulating on social media, VeryDarkMan alleged that Wizkid used the phrase without permission, insisting that people often misunderstand what constitutes intellectual property.

According to him, not only music but also words and phrases can be legally sampled when trademarked.

“Na me get am. I spent close to one million naira to trademark my name and that phrase,” he said, displaying what he claimed were documents backing his ownership.

He further stated that his trademarks include “VeryDarkMan,” “VDM,” and the phrase “Don’t Play,” adding that Wizkid allegedly sampled the phrase without authorisation.

While speaking, VDM also mentioned that other Nigerian artistes, including Kizz Daniel, have used the phrase, which he described as proof of its widespread influence.

“For you to know how big ‘Don’t Play’ is, even Kizz Daniel don use am,” he said.

The activist did not stop at the allegation, as he also took aim at Wizkid’s fanbase, popularly known as Wizkid FC.

He dismissed attacks from fans and challenged them to grow stronger before confronting him, while boasting about the influence of the Ratel movement, which he described as a community of “nation builders.”

“Wizkid FC, make una join the fanbase of other celebrities wey I don call out before. When una don big well well, then una fit come for me,” he stated.

He added that Wizkid’s supporters were no match for the Ratel movement, insisting that his followers stood for accountability and social justice.

VDM’s claims have triggered mixed reactions online, with some users questioning the legality of trademarking common phrases, while others called for Wizkid or his management to respond to the allegation.

As of the time of filing this report, Wizkid and his team have not issued any official response to VeryDarkMan’s claims.

https://eyesoflagos.com/2026/01/25/verydarkman-claims-ownership-of-dont-play-accuses-wizkid-of-sampling-it/

Wizkid fc SAY PLEASE and I will let you join the biggest movement

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DT5rnoxjPzB/?igsh=cGExdDNyb3RiN3hq

So we no go speak English again. You mean I can no longer say to my Son, "don't play". He is mad.

VDM don trademark everything oh.

Alphanancy:
So we no go speak English again. You mean I can no longer say to my Son, "don't play". He is mad.

madness everywhere , ordinary English words way dey don use since

Don't play, or you gonna learn
Omooo nobi small thing oh

Sigh…..

Seems those that own Earth have taken VDM’s brains.

This VDM is just looking for attention and he won't get Wizkid attention. You can't get the greatest attention never e too big pass your entire history.

Infact I don't know what to say because this one weak me.

Odiegwu
Laslas, everybody go dey alright.

Na una give VDM relevance na. That dirty thing

Don't play came long before Vdm. It is clear vdm has been getting advice from SE people.

Social media is not a real place.

VDM the very dirty attention seeker. He jumps on every trending issue for clout. His followers are as jobless as him

This guy can't breath without controversy.

It's dangerous for the brains of millions of people to be under one man.

Vdm is one of the. Out fearless humans out there.

And he's using the social media very well.
He knows how to keep those people that call themselves ratels in the palm of his hand.

It's like a mass hysteria of people who cannot think again under him.


But the guy is a blessing to so many people in distress

Most celebrities have one challenge or the other. It appears, some may be developing mental challenge unnoticed. I pray that the challenges be arrested at the manageable stages before they go out of hand.

Alphanancy:
So we no go speak English again. You mean I can no longer say to my Son, "don't play". He is mad.

use it for an economic venture and see what happens to u. Then u go understand the meaning patent.

You can’t copyright short phrases like that, and getting a trademark doesn’t stop artists from using common words in their songs, so his claims have no legal basis.

Trademarks are also usually limited to specific industries. For example, if Nike trademarked “Just Do it”, you can’t use it if you’re in the same clothing industry, but you possibly could if you’re selling software, if nobody else did it for the same industry.

School no be scam last last

VDM is also joining the useless banters. No thanks to social media induced foolishness

kokomaster3d:
VDM don trademark everything oh.

VDM and his so called Ratered or rather Rathouse movement are very annoying

Trademark and copyright are different though sometimes overlapping realms

Person no get freedom of speech again cux of Wetin? Una head no coh ret ..

Don't play... Oya come and beat me


I go go obtain trademark for the sound of my mess now.. if any body mess and it sounds like my sound,we will head to court.

Useless lazy youths with no future ambition

Verydarlman cooked Wizkid ,

Omoh, vdm no get good mouth, na him fit those hungry jobless Wizkid fc

Talk say Wizkid fc na past glory

Wahala wahala wahala oooo

emmabest2000:
VDM and his so called Ratered or rather Rathouse fans are very annoying

I watched his video on Wizkid and it shows VDM is so super intelligent…

Na him fit nigerian youths,
Omo, vdm dey cook… he cook something whey no good for wizkid and his fans
Laugh wan wound me..

Shey wizkid na twerker whey dem dey give am best music video in collaboration with Beyoncé?

wizkid fc jam wetin pass their power this time…

Nobody messes with Fela legacy..

If you no sabi Fela, then blame yourself for your ignorance

VDM, don't play o! Don't play!.....na express you wan enter so o

jaycruizenbs:
This VDM is just looking for attention and he won't get Wizkid attention. You can't get the greatest attention never e too big pass your entire history.

Wizkid fc is past glory!!

Move on and grow up… at your age still doing wizkid fc

Wetin that guy never sample for this life