Get Guardian on GoogleFast-rising UK-based Nigerian Afropop artiste, NoGamesVal, has found humour in what appears to be a lyrical contrast between his 2026 single, Economy, and veteran singer Tubaba’s new song, Balling.
The fun began when Tubaba, in Balling, sings, “We don’t care about economy ’cause big boys go do charity,” a line that caught the attention of NoGamesVal, who had earlier made the economy the subject of his own song.
Meanwhile, NoGamesVal in Economy sang: “If me and you do business, better give me my own percent, for this kind of economy, don’t play with my currency.”
The contrasting lines have created a musical coincidence. While NoGamesVal’s Economy addresses financial responsibility, honesty and transparency in street business, Tubaba’s Balling takes a more carefree approach, encouraging listeners to enjoy life despite the pressures around them.
NoGamesVal found the irony funny, particularly as he had been stressing the realities of a harsh economy, but Tubaba declared that “we don’t care about economy” because the big boys would take care of things.
There is no indication that Tubaba specifically intended the line as a response to NoGamesVal, but the lyrical coincidence has nevertheless provided fans with an entertaining comparison between two artistes approaching the subject from completely different perspectives.
The contrasting moment comes as NoGamesVal continues to build momentum within the emerging Afropop scene. The UK-based artiste recently featured alongside Darkoo and other performers at the Nigeria at 66 Independence Party in the UK, expanding his visibility among Nigerian music audiences.
He has also released the music video for his latest track, Going Hard and Crazy, as he continues to refine his sound and strengthen his presence in the new generation of Afropop artistes.
With his distinctive approach and growing catalogue, NoGamesVal is steadily carving out his own space in the genre. With Economy still delivering its money-conscious punchlines and Going Hard and Crazy showcasing another side of his musical personality, NoGamesVal seems determined to keep pushing his craft.
Thanks to Tubaba’s Balling, his earlier “don’t play with my currency” line has found an unlikely musical counterpart. NoGamesVal says protect the currency. Tubaba says go ball. The economy, apparently, can wait.
