“Pia Mia’s version of ‘I’m a fan’ song is only version authorised” songwriter DeCarlo talks [Exclusive]

New information has come out regarding the true ownership of controversial single ‘I’m a fan’.

The original songwriter of the controversial song 'I'm a fan', DeCarlo, says Pia Mia has the only authorized version of the song.

Pulse had earlier exclusively reported that the controversial ‘I’m a fan’ single which was first released by Nigerian rapper Phyno, and later by US singer Pia Mia was a subject of a misunderstanding.

Phyno’s version was released on his sophomore album “The Playmaker” in 2016.

US singer Pia Mia released a similar version of the record on May 26, 2017, in collaboration with R&B singer Jeremih.

Upon the release of her version, Nigerians assumed that the singer illegally recreated Phyno’s record.

Pulse had reported that the demo was sent to Phyno, who with the help of a Nigerian producer named Benjamz, reconstructed it before its release.

“The guy sent the song to us, and we wanted to work together, but something happened and we couldn’t use it,” a source in Phyno’s camp had told Pulse in anonymity.

Phyno however says due process was followed to make the song his.

Apparently, the songwriter of the record seems to be US based DeCarlo, also known as T Coles. The songwriter through a Nigerian PR agency, The BobbyTaylor Company, released a statement, partially addressing the controversy, explaining that Pia Mia is the only authorized owner of the song.

"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 authorized”, DeCarlo says in a statement released by The Bobby Taylor Company.

DeCarlo further reiterated this via his official Twitter account (@iAMDECARLO), stating that the only ‘authorised version’ is Pia Mia’s.

Read the full statement from The Bobby Taylor Company below;

“Just a couple weeks ago news broke about the alleged theft of the single "I'm A Fan" by rising American pop star Pia Mia. The song featured on Phyno's most recent album "The Playmaker". On the 26th of May 2017, Pia Mia released "I'm A Fan" featuring Jeremih under Interscope.

Nigerian social media went into instant disbelief on the alleged theft and countless reactions have followed since as there have been observed similarities with both songs, these similarities include the beat, chorus, hook and some other noticeable elements. Now the song writer to whom the credits of "I'm A Fan" originally belonged to has decided to set things straight.

"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 authorized". - T Cole

T Cole has refuted any claims that Phyno originally owned the song "I'm A Fan", also stating that he actually pitched the demo to various artists. He also cleared the air on the Pia Mia allegations by stating that her song is the only authorized version.”

UPDATE: Phyno has responded to DeCarlo’s statement via twitter. The Nigerian rapper uploaded screenshots from his WhatsApp conversation with DeCarlo about the song.

According to the messages, DeCarlo had struck a barter with Phyno to collaborate with him on a song which turned out to become ‘I’m a fan’. The songwriter was aware that it had been released on Phyno’s “The Playmaker” album.

There is no mention of monetary payment for the record, only a Gentleman’s understanding during a conversation on Twitter.

Phyno who recently released a single titled ‘If to say’, said this is the last time he will acknowledge the situation.