9 Nigerian Singers Whose Explosive Label Feuds Rocked the Music Industry

Over the years, the Nigerian music industry has witnessed many high-profile feuds between artistes and their record labels. 

These disputes often involve allegations involving contracts, royalties, intellectual property and creative control. 

Here is a list of Nigerian singer-label feuds that shock the music industry.

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King Sunny Ade (KSA) vs. Chief Bolarinwa Abioro (African Songs Limited)

From the 1974 till the 2010s, there was a high-profile battle involving Juju singer King Sunny Ade (KSA) and Chief Bolarinwa Abioro.

Abioro who was a pioneer music executive in Nigeria signed KSA to his record label, African Songs Limited. As KSA’s fame grew, they had a fallout over royalties control and demands for better pay. 

Abioro later sued KSA for breach of contract when he attempted to record with another label. The courts ruled in favour of KSA, however, it took decades to recover master tapes after significant damages were awarded. 

D’Banj vs. Don Jazzy (Mo’ Hits Records)

D’Banj and Don Jazzy co-founded Mo’Hits Records in 2005 and it grew to become one of Nigeria’s most iconic record labels.

Tension grew when D’Banj pursued a global deal with Kanye West (G.O.O.D Music)  in 2011. In 2012, the duo split, leading to the dissolution of the record label. D’Banj said in later interviews that Don Jazzy had brought up the idea of the split because they had differing career directions.

SEE ALSO: Do You Know the Real Names of Afrobeats Artists and Their State of Origin?

Wizkid vs. Banky W (Empire Mates Entertainment)

Another one of the Nigerian singer-label feuds that shocked the music industry was between Banky W and Wizkid.

Banky W signed Wizkid to his record label Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) in 2009. Five years later, in 2014, Wizkid in his desire for growth left EME to launch Starboy Entertainment. 

Banky W later said that, contrary to the five albums agreed on in the contract, Wizkid did only two solo albums before leaving EME. Nonetheless, he didn’t stop Wizkid from leaving.

Kizz Daniel vs. G-Worldwide 

G-Worldwide had signed Kizz Daniel, who was KissDaniel then, in 2013 to release five albums in seven years. After ‘Woju’ gained traction in 2015, there was a major public battle.

The label sued Kiss Daniel  over alleged breach of the seven-year deal, as he was accused of breaking his contract by starting his own record label, FLY BOI I.N.C. He also allegedly hired a new talent manager, made performance deals, and used the name “Kiss Daniel” without GWW’s permission.

This is one of the several Nigerian singer-label feuds that lingered as it was just recently in 2025 that Kizz Daniel reclaimed rights to his hit singles recorded under the label and his debut album New Era.

Runtown vs. Eric (Manny Entertainment)

Manny accused Runtown of arranging international tours, recordings and shows without the involvement of the record label. There were also allegations including unpaid royalties and contract extension. 

Runtown also claimed that the label boss threatened him with a gun, career destruction, and a sex tape.

The legal battles lingered which limited Runtown’s performances before he gained more independence.  

Cynthia Morgan vs. Jude Okoye (Northside Entertainment) 

Cynthia Morgan (now Madrina) accused Northside Entertainment of exploitation, taking control of her name, social media accounts, Vevo account and assets under a bad contract.

In 2020, Cynthia Morgan sued Jude Okoye over accountability of her intellectual property while she was with the label.

In the recent feud between the P-Square and Jude, she fired back at her former label owner, calling him toxic and divisive.

SEE ALSO:The Top 7 Managers in the $2 Billion Dollar Afrobeats Industry

Brymo vs. Chocolate City

In 2013, a dispute between Brymo and Chocolate City began after he was signed in 2010. Brymo claimed Chocolate City did not efficiently promote his second album ‘Son of a Carpenter’, so he left.

Chocolate City on the other hand claimed Brymo was signed to release three albums for his five-year deal, hence, a legal battle.

A restraining order was made which blocked Brymo from recording or performing any song released under the label. However, in 2014, the restraining order was lifted and both parties settled the matter out of court.   

Mohbad vs. Marlian Music (Naira Marley)

It all started in 2022 when Mohbad called out Marlian Music, claiming he was being assaulted in the Marlian House because he requested for a change of manager. 

Later, Mohbad’s legal team served Naira Marley a contract termination notice for unfulfilled royalty payments and continuous safety threats.

Naira Marley alleged that Mohbad was intoxicated and maintained that the label’s record was transparent with financial dealings. 

Before Mohbad’s sudden death on September 13, 2023, he had moved on to run his path independently under his own imprint, feeling liberated.

Shallipopi, Muyeez, T.l. Blaze and Seyi Vibez vs. Dapper Music

On August 5, 2026, the artists took to social media with explosive claims of unpaid royalties, catalogue issues, and side deals without their knowledge. 

T.l Blaze accused the label of licensing his intellectual property without a mutual agreement. He also pointed to a roughly N1.2 billion, demanding catalogue freedom.

Shallipopi claimed that Dapper Music withheld over $1 million in streaming and royalty income spanning 46 of his tracks. He also accused the label of contract forgery and lack of transparency.

Muyeez, who was signed under Seyi Vibez’s circle, exited the label, lamenting that he faced severe neglect and hunger even though his music was pulling in millions.

Seyi Vibez came heavily criticising Dapper Music. He alleged that revenue generated from his catalogue was mismanaged or redirected, and advised other acts to distance themselves from the label.

Dapper Music, founded by Damilola Akinwunmi, denied all allegations and proposed audits of the label in a reputable company.

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