In a music industry often defined by trends and reinvention, few stories in recent Nigerian music are as remarkable as Duncan Mighty’s sudden resurgence in 2018. Duncan Mighty, the Port Harcourt-born singer known for his distinctive highlife-infused Afrobeats sound and melodic Igbo-flavoured delivery, dominated Nigerian music in the early 2010s with hits like “Obianuju” and “Port Harcourt Son”.
After years outside of mainstream conversation—following a run of celebrated early albums and hits—the Port Harcourt first son re-entered the spotlight through powerful collaborations and unforgettable verses that reminded the music world of his sonic prowess
What made this comeback so refreshing was its substance over strategies. Rather than relying on artificial media stunts or fleeting social media moments, Duncan Mighty returned with voice, lyrical depth, and a commanding presence that cut across generational tastes and industry silos.
A Hiatus, Then a Renaissance
Before 2018, Duncan Mighty enjoyed early acclaim with critically loved albums like ‘Fully Loaded (Koliwater)’ in 2009 and ‘Legacy (Ahamefuna)’ in 2010 — the latter fuelling tracks such as “Obianuju” and “Port Harcourt Son”, staples in Nigerian music history. After that peak, his national visibility waned as newer acts rose and the industry shifted toward faster-paced pon-pon beats. By 2017, many considered him a regional favourite rather than a mainstream force.
Then came 2018.
Then, in 2018, an unexpected wave of high-profile features catapulted him back into the spotlight, earning him praise as one of Afrobeats’ greatest comeback stories. With the release of “Fake Love” featuring Wizkid, Duncan Mighty exploded back into relevance. Wizkid’s melodic prowess perfectly met Duncan Mighty’s raw, emotive verse, creating a track that dominated airwaves and reaffirmed Mighty’s relevance. That single kickstarted what many media outlets would later call a career renaissance.
In interviews following the track’s success, Duncan Mighty himself credited Wizkid for helping rekindle his broader appeal, by showcasing his enduring talent to a wider audience. Once the momentum began, Duncan Mighty became one of the most sought-after featured artists in Nigeria. His voice, lyrical flair, and distinct blend of Ikwerre-infused melodies made his verses not just welcome but coveted on records across the industry.
Here are some of the key songs that defined Duncan Mighty’s collaboration surge in 2018:
Standout Collaborations
“Fake Love” – Wizkid feat. Duncan Mighty
This track ignited everything. Produced by Killertunes, it pairs Wizkid’s smooth R&B vibes with Duncan Mighty’s heartfelt chorus and verse. Duncan’s lines about loyalty and fake relationships resonate deeply, and his melodic ad-libs elevate the song into an anthem. “Fake Love” topped charts, racked up millions of streams, and became the blueprint for the resurgence. Duncan himself credited it as the spark. Without this surprise Wizkid collaboration, the 2018 wave might never have happened. It’s the standout—soulful, replayable, and the perfect reintroduction.
“Aza” – DMW feat. Davido, Peruzzi & Duncan Mighty
Davido assembled his DMW crew, Peruzzi and himself with Duncan Mighty for this boastful money anthem. Produced by Fresh VDM, Duncan Mighty’s melodic bridge ties it together amid the energetic verses. It became a street favourite, proving his versatility beyond romance into braggadocio.
“Flenjo” – Lil Kesh feat. Duncan Mighty
Lil Kesh closed the wave with this laid-back, enjoyment-focused track, produced by Rexxie. “Flenjo” means “enjoy yourself”, and Duncan’s relaxed verse embodies that vibe perfectly. A fan favourite for its beer-parlour appeal, it capped Duncan Mighty’s run on a high note.
“Lova Lova” – Tiwa Savage feat. Duncan Mighty
Tiwa Savage’s sultry vocals meet Duncan Mighty’s charming response in this highlife-tinged duet. Lines like comparing love to “oil spillage” showcase playful chemistry. A massive hit blending Afrobeat and highlife, it dominated radio and clubs. Duncan Mighty holds his own against Nigeria’s leading lady, making it a resurgence highlight.
“Bio Bio” – Reekado Banks feat. Duncan Mighty
Reekado Banks tapped Duncan for this upbeat, dance-ready cut shortly after “Fake Love”. Duncan’s opening hook and playful verse add infectious energy, turning a solid track into a party staple.
The chemistry shines: Reekado’s youthfulness meets Duncan’s maturity. It kept the momentum going, showing his feature wasn’t a fluke.
“Gimme Love” – DJ Xclusive feat. Duncan Mighty
DJ Xclusive delivered a groovy, mid-tempo lover’s plea here. Duncan’s passionate delivery on the chorus—“Gimme love, make I feel alright” makes it irresistible. Self-produced with masterful mixing, it highlights Duncan’s ability to enhance romantic tracks. A solid entry that reinforced his hot streak.
“Uju (Remix)” – B-Red feat. Duncan Mighty
B-Red remixed his earlier single “Uju” by adding Duncan Mighty, transforming it into a bigger hit. Duncan Mighty’s verse and backing vocals bring emotional weight and cultural flair. This under-the-radar gem exemplifies how his presence upgraded good songs to great ones, especially in love-themed Afrobeats.
Overall Impact
What made this resurgence surprising? Duncan Mighty hadn’t released a major solo hit in years, yet starting in mid-2018, top artists sought his signature touch—his emotive hooks, cultural depth from the Niger Delta, and effortless blend of romance and street wisdom. His collaborations injected freshness into a scene growing formulaic, proving his style remained timeless.
Duncan Mighty’s 2018 resurgence was surprising because it felt organic yet explosive—driven by one viral collaboration that snowballed into a movement. In an era when many artists revive careers with contrived narratives or overexposure tactics, Duncan Mighty’s 2018 resurgence is a testament to artistry and respect — and a reminder that a powerful verse still speaks louder than any marketing ploy. The “Port Harcourt First Son” reminded everyone why he was mighty in the first place. Many of these remain classics, and his comeback stands as a testament to talent enduring beyond trends.
