Meet Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or by his nickname “Akpi.” He is a Nigerian-American rapper, singer, songwriter, and social media personality renowned for his eccentric style, humorous music, and controversial online presence. Born on March 13, 1984, in Arondizuogu, Imo State, Speed Darlington shot to fame with viral hits like “BangDadaDang” and “My Party,” blending playful lyrics with bold commentary on pop culture. Known for his unique personality, he often refers to himself as the “Energy God,” “Irregular Speedometer,” and “Scorpio King,” while coining memorable phrases like “I’m not regular” and “Inspiring Diddy since 2017.”
Wiki
Full Name: Darlington Okoye
Date of Birth: March 13, 1984
Place of Birth: Unknown town in America
Origin: Arondizuogu, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State
Nationality: Nigerian
Profession: Singer, Songwriter, Rapper, Content Creator, Dancer
Notable Songs: Baby Oil, Bangdadadang, Cash and Carry
Net Worth: $500,000
Early Life & Career
Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, was born on March 13, 1984, in Arondizuogu, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. He grew up in a musically inclined household as the son of the renowned traditional musician Pericoma Okoye and Queen Theresa Onuorah, a celebrated Egedege dancer. This cultural background greatly influenced Speed Darlington’s early exposure to music and traditional dance. He spent his formative years in Okigwe, Imo State, before moving to Lagos, where he completed his education. He later attended the University of Lagos, earning a degree in Business Administration. Afterward, he relocated to the United States, where he has since established his career.
Speed Darlington’s career began in the 1990s as a dancer, performing traditional Egedege dances inspired by his parents. He transitioned into music in 2017, releasing humorous and satirical tracks that gained him recognition in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. His breakout song, “BangDadaDang”, released in 2017, became a viral sensation, catapulting him into the spotlight. Other popular tracks include “Cash & Carry” and “My Party”.
His music, known for its unique blend of humor and cultural commentary, often features playful lyrics that resonate with a wide audience. Beyond music, Speed Darlington ventured into the Nigerian film industry, making an impact with his eccentric personality.
A key feature of his career is his bold and controversial social media presence. Known for his outlandish remarks and unconventional style, he frequently engages fans and critics alike, making him a distinct figure in Nigerian pop culture. Darlington has also adopted various self-proclaimed titles such as “Energy God,” “Scorpion King,” and “Irregular Speedometer,” further emphasizing his unconventional persona.
Controversy
Speed Darlington is no stranger to controversy. He has openly criticized celebrities such as Wizkid, Don Jazzy, and Bobrisky, sparking online feuds. His frequent and outspoken criticism of the Nigerian government and society has also made headlines. For instance, his satirical commentary on Nigerian politics and the economy has landed him in the middle of heated debates. On one occasion, he threatened to “spoil Nigeria with Yahoo Yahoo” if the nation’s issues were not addressed.
He also gained notoriety for his unique fashion sense, particularly his signature hairstyle, which he describes as a “transmitter and receiver of energy.” His popularity surged on social media, with viral content on platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Known for his unpredictable antics, Speed Darlington continues to entertain fans with his bold and humorous takes on various issues.
One of the most notable incidents occurred when operatives of the Nigeria Police Force arrested him in Owerri, the capital of Imo State. The arrest took place while he was performing at a show, just days after returning to Nigeria from abroad.
Human rights lawyer and his legal counsel, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed the development in a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. Adeyanju wrote, “Our client, Speed Darlington, a.k.a AKPI, has been arrested by the Nigeria Police in Owerri at his show upon return to Nigeria.” Reports later surfaced suggesting that the arrest was linked to defamation cases involving Nigerian Afrobeat superstar Burna Boy, further fueling the controversy surrounding Speed Darlington’s outspoken personality.
Despite his controversies, Speed Darlington is undeniably influential in Nigerian pop culture. He has built a loyal fan base, often referred to as the “Akpi nation,” and has become a household name through his music, social media antics, and bold personality. His unconventional style and fearless approach to life have kept him relevant in the entertainment industry.
Notable Songs
Bangdadadang!
Cash & Carry
In love with my hand (Featuring) Zlatan
Akamu
In Eko
Ogiriga Owuwa
Diaspora Fund$
Social Media
Speed Darlington maintains a strong presence on social media, especially Instagram, where his account @speeddarlitv has garnered over 300,000 followers. His eccentric posts, humorous videos, and direct engagement with fans continue to drive his popularity online, making him a vibrant figure in Nigeria’s entertainment space.
Personal Life
Speed Darlington is single and has often humorously discussed his love life and personal preferences in public, which has become part of his appeal.
Net Worth
As of now, Speed Darlington’s net worth is estimated at $500,000, reflecting his earnings from music, social media influence, and live
