British recording artist Stefflon Don, known for her blend of rap and reggae, is finding herself in the spotlight once again. Yet, this time it is not for her music or her relationship with Nigerian star Burna Boy, but for her brother Dutchavelli, also a rapper, and his run-in with controversy. A few years back, he was accused of grooming a minor, an allegation he vehemently denies, labelling it as a fabrication. This event, along with Stefflon Don’s recent release of a contentious song, has brought the rapper into focus. Here’s the lowdown on Stefflon Don’s journey and how these incidents have shaped her narrative.
The Grooming Allegations Against Stefflon Don’s Brother
In November 2020, Dutchavelli, real name Stephan Allen, found himself at the centre of controversy. A series of screenshots, allegedly showing his interaction with a girl of 14 years, surfaced online. The conversation, as per the screenshots, involved him inquiring about her age, complimenting her looks, and inviting her to his hotel room. The minor claimed that despite revealing her age, he continued the conversation, even leaving her a voicemail. Dutchavelli, however, contested these allegations, stating his Instagram had been compromised and that the girl in question was 17, not 14. He went on to clarify that he had only interacted with her because she was a fan of his music, and they had never met in person.
Dutchavelli also denied rumours of having compensated the girl’s family, after her address was leaked online. He stated that the police should have taken the responsibility to check on the girl’s welfare. The allegations led to a public backlash against Dutchavelli, with many label him as a “predator” and a “paedophile”. Fellow rappers like Stormzy and Tion Wayne severed their ties with him, unfollowing him on social media platforms. Furthermore, playlists on Spotify and YouTube excluded his songs.
Stefflon Don’s Silence and Controversial Lyrics
Stefflon Don, whose real name is Stephanie Allen, has remained tight-lipped about the allegations against her brother. However, her silence, coupled with her decision to stand by Dutchavelli, has drawn criticism. Adding fuel to the fire, a song she released in 2024, deemed insensitive for its lyrics, sparked further controversy. The song, a rework of “Dat A Dat,” features references to a woman named “Twinki.” This reference has led to speculation that Jada Kingdom, a Jamaican artist, is involved with Stefflon Don’s ex-partner, Burna Boy, giving rise to yet another dispute in the music industry.
