In the last few days, new developments have shaped the Pia Mia vs Phyno “I’m A Fan” debacle from a stolen song case to a misappropriated song case. Now there are new development that hint we may be looking at a potential possibility that one songwriter may have simply pitched both Phyno and Pia Mia the same song.

To give a quick run through of events, at our last report on this issue, we reiterated that songwriter DeCarlo holds the key to solving the mystery to why Phyno and Pia Mia. We reported that the songwriter has worked extensively with Jeremih and was quite possibly in the studio with him last year.

DeCarlo has been silent in the weeks since the news broke with comparisons drawn between Phyno and Pia Mia’s versions. Perhaps as a result of the continuous stream of vitriol Nigerians sent to Pia Mia and Jeremih, over the weekend, DeCarlo’s intercession was important to provide much-needed clarity on how two similarly titled and composed songs came to be. In a statement released over the weekend, DeCarlo stated categorically that, “I wrote the original demo of “I’m A Fan” and pitched it to various artists. I worked with Pia Mia and Jeremih on the track, and their song is the only version authorised”. He also took to twitter to echo the same thoughts.

I wrote the original demo of I’m A Fan” and pitched it to various artists.

— DeCarlo (@iAMDECARLO) June 11, 2017

I worked with Pia Mia and Jeremih on the track. Their song is the only version authorized

— DeCarlo (@iAMDECARLO) June 11, 2017

As a reaction, Phyno tweeted screenshots of earlier conversations with DeCarlo where it seemed like both the rapper and the American songwriter had an agreement of some sort, though unofficial.

This is the last time I will ever talk Abt this!!! But jst for the record !!! pic.twitter.com/x1R6WY4cH8

— EZEGE 1 (@phynofino) June 12, 2017

HUMANS!!! pic.twitter.com/llzDAOlJ7I

— EZEGE 1 (@phynofino) June 12, 2017

To further make Phyno’s point valid, Mr Eazi also made statements on Twitter suggesting DeCarlo had reached out to himself and Phyno seeking their co-sign. According to Mr Eazi, the songwriter had sent them “I’m A Fan” alongside a slew of recordings, pleading with Phyno to use any of them on his album with no renumeration required but full credits.

https://twitter.com/mreazi/status/874578848314253312

As the curtain call draws near for a satisfying conclusion to this story, we must remember where the fault lies. It doesn’t take a music industry expert to tell it doesn’t bode well under any circumstance that DeCarlo pitched a song he already agreed to Phyno releasing to Pia Mia. Especially considering he also had to come online to slyly disregard Phyno even though the receipts say otherwise. However, for Phyno who took a song from a collaborator who didn’t demand to be paid, a written and signed agreement should have been undertaken nonetheless to seal the negotiation in a contract.