Speed Darlington biography, music, controversies

In this post, News360 Nigeria explores the biography of Nigerian-American rapper, Speed Darlington.

Speed Darlington, born Darlington Okoye, has carved out a unique niche as a Nigerian-American rapper, singer, and social media personality.

His journey, shaped by his parents’ musical background, folk musician Pericoma Okoye and Queen Theresa Onuorah, has been marked by controversy, humor, and viral moments that have captivated audiences both in Nigeria and abroad.

Profile summary

Name: Darlington Okoye

Stage name: Speed Darlington

State of origin: Imo State, Nigeria

Relationship status: Single

Career: Musician

Background

Born on March 13, 1984, in Arondizuogu, Imo State, Nigeria, Speed Darlington grew up in Okigwe, Imo State, before moving to the United States.

Darlington’s early life was heavily influenced by his family’s deep connection to music.

Career highlights

After relocating to the Bronx, New York, he initially started as a dancer in the 1990s but shifted his focus to music by 2017.

He gained his first taste of internet virality in 2016, and by 2017, his song “Bang da Dadang” solidified his place in the Nigerian music scene.

Known for his eccentric behavior, he frequently calls himself titles like “Energy God” and “Scorpio King,” and often associates himself with catchy slogans such as “I am not regular.”

His confidence and bold persona have earned him both fans and critics, but he remains undeterred, often reminding his followers of his ambition to become an international rap star.

Some of his notable songs include “Popping Heavy,” “My Girl,” “Cash & Carry,” and “Enigma.”

Personal life

Speed Darlington’s personal life is as colorful as his public persona. He isn’t shy about expressing his preferences, even claiming a crush on Nigerian actress Tonto Dike.

When it comes to his identity, he proudly embraces his Igbo heritage, often seen wearing traditional beads and speaking in his native dialect in social media posts.

His distinct hairstyle, which he describes as a “transmitter and receiver of energy,” has also become a signature look.

In 2017, Darlington revealed his family connection to the late folk musician Pericoma Mezuo Okoye, who passed away earlier that year.

While his relationship with his father was tumultuous, he has frequently spoken about the impact his father had on his life, both positively and negatively.

Controversies

Speed Darlington is no stranger to controversy. From his political commentary, once ranting against former U.S. President Donald Trump, to satirical posts about Nigerian leaders, he has maintained his reputation as a vocal, unapologetic figure.

His blunt opinions on topics like IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra) and his outrageous social media stunts have only fueled his fame.

He also faced legal trouble after being arrested and detained due to a petition from fellow musician Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy.

The petition accused Darlington of cyberstalking and defamation, serious charges that placed him in legal jeopardy.

Darlington’s arrest followed a controversial video in which he mocked Burna Boy’s connection to American rapper Diddy, who had been recently arrested by the FBI.

Despite the seriousness of the accusations, Darlington remained defiant throughout his detention and has been released on bail.

Net worth

Speed Darlington’s net worth is estimated to be around $200,000. His wealth primarily comes from his music sales, social media presence, and live performances.