Bisina Somto
On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, the Nigerian entertainment industry was jolted by the tragic news of singer MohBad’s untimely death.
His promising career, which should have been on an upward trajectory, came to an abrupt end, leaving fans and colleagues in disbelief. However, what followed his demise was even more shocking.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelDramatic videos captured the raid at MohBad’s Lekki residence in Lagos, but fortunately, he and his associates were later released. Adding to his tumultuous journey in the music industry, MohBad had publicly accused Naira Marley, his former boss at Marlian Records, of domestic violence in October 2022, marking the end of his association with the label.
MohBad’s story is just one of many in the Nigerian music industry, where disputes between artistes and their record labels have become all too common. Let’s take a closer look at some other music artistes who have fallen out with their record labels.
READ ALSO:Mohbad’s Death: Folakemi Falana Calls For Autopsy
Kizz Daniel
Kizz Daniel, formerly known as Kiss Daniel, experienced a meteoric rise in the music industry. G-Worldwide Entertainment struck gold with his debut single, “Woju,” which became an instant hit. However, their smooth relationship hit a rocky patch when Kizz Daniel felt the label was taking an excessive share of his earnings.
In November 2017, he announced his departure from G-Worldwide, leading to a legal battle as his contract hadn’t expired. To protect his brand, he changed his stage name to Kizz Daniel, and the legal standoff continues to this day.
Runtown
Singer Runtown’s separation from Eric Manny, his former record label, was as messy as it gets. After a two-year deal in 2014 and the release of his debut album, tensions escalated when Runtown was allegedly asked to extend his contract by another two years.
He accused Eric Manny’s boss, Okwudili Umenyiora, of threatening him with a gun and attempting to blackmail him with a sex tape. The dispute between the two parties remains unresolved, highlighting the acrimony that can develop in such cases.
READ ALSO:From Music To Politics: Unraveling The MohBad Controversy
Vector
Rapper Vector’s journey with YSG Entertainment started well but soon unravelled. He complained that the label was not adequately promoting his career and that he had to handle many aspects himself. The label accused him of breaching his contract, leading to his arrest by the police.
After a public back-and-forth, Vector eventually apologized, and both parties parted ways.
Wizkid
Wizkid, under the guidance of Empire Mates Entertainment, experienced a harmonious artist-label relationship. However, as his success grew, financial disagreements emerged. Initially offered 25 percent of his earnings, Wizkid demanded a more favourable contract in 2013.
While they eventually adjusted the contract, Wizkid founded his own label, Star Boy Entertainment, emphasizing the challenges that come with fame and fortune.
Cynthia Morgan
Cynthia Morgan’s career initially flourished under Northside Entertainment. However, her relationship with label boss Jude Okoye soured. She alleged that the label restricted her access to her YouTube account and stage name, blaming issues between the Okoye brothers for her career’s stagnation.
Despite the public drama, Cynthia Morgan later apologized to the label, acknowledging that mistakes were made on all sides.
Skales, Brymo, Harrysong, Iyanya, and Ycee
Skales, Brymo, Harrysong, Iyanya, and Ycee have all had their share of tumultuous relationships with their record labels, ranging from contract disputes to alleged fraud and betrayal. These conflicts highlight the challenges and complexities that can arise within the music industry.
The Nigerian music industry has seen its fair share of artist-label disputes, with artists often seeking more control over their careers and earnings. While some conflicts have been resolved, others continue to simmer, serving as cautionary tales for emerging talents navigating the challenging landscape of the entertainment business.
Somto is an Entertainment Reporter with a passion for uncovering the latest stories in the world of entertainment. As a dedicated journalist, Somto delivers in-depth reporting, exclusive interviews, and breaking news coverage.
She covers a wide range of topics, from celebrity interviews to industry trends and film reviews.
As an Entertainment Reporter for Prime Business Africa, She continues to provide comprehensive and insightful coverage of the entertainment industry, offering readers an insider's perspective on the latest developments and trends. She is a trusted source for breaking news, exclusive interviews, and thought-provoking analyses.
Somto is dedicated to providing valuable information and entertainment to her audience while upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity.
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