Kenyan rapper Sean MMG has hit an unexpected hurdle after YouTube pulled down his buzzing hit “Nitakupanga” due to a copyright strike. The music video, which featured fan-favorite collaborators Ssaru, Breeder LW, and Motif di Don, was gaining massive traction with over 400,000 views before being abruptly removed.
The track, which had been hailed as one of the year’s most powerful Gengetone collaborations, was enjoying viral momentum and playlist dominance across Kenyan platforms. But just when the artist seemed poised to push through a wave of earlier setbacks—including delays caused by nationwide protests—the takedown delivered a heavy blow to the song’s rise.
Sean didn’t hold back his frustration, expressing dismay on social media where he hinted at foul play, claiming the takedown felt like a deliberate move to derail his progress. While he didn’t go into specifics about the nature of the copyright issue, he pointed fingers at possible sabotage, saying it appeared like someone was working overtime to silence him.
What remains unclear is the exact reason for the takedown. Speculation is swirling among fans: Was the issue tied to an unlicensed sample? Could it have been about background footage or visuals used without proper clearance? Or is it a case of a third-party claim getting mistakenly flagged by YouTube’s automatic system? The lack of clarity has only fueled more online chatter.
The video’s removal comes at a time when Sean had already navigated a series of disruptions to its release. Earlier in the year, the team behind “Nitakupanga” struggled with scheduling issues due to political unrest and demonstrations that affected shoot locations and production timelines. Finally overcoming those challenges, the video premiered and quickly became a staple across Kenyan streaming playlists.
With this latest obstacle, fans have been vocal in showing support, flooding Sean’s pages with messages of encouragement and calls for YouTube to reverse the strike. While some sympathized, others used the moment to stress the importance of handling copyright paperwork and licensing before going public with content.
Still, Sean remains undeterred. He’s urged his supporters to stay patient and promised a comeback. Known for turning challenges into motivation, the rapper hinted that this might just be the beginning of a bigger movement.
Before commanding the mic, Sean was known for his sharp dance moves—an energy that now powers his music videos and live performances. His evolution from dancer to lyrical powerhouse has made him a standout figure in Nairobi’s rap and Gengetone circles, with a reputation for high-energy tracks and impactful collaborations.
It’s not yet known whether “Nitakupanga” will be appealed, re-uploaded, or released on another platform. But one thing is certain: Sean MMG isn’t quitting. If anything, this latest blow might just be the fuel he needs to rise even higher.