Nigerian Music Industry Rocked as T.I Blaze, Seyi Vibez, and Shallipopi Unite Against Former Label Dapper Music

The Nigerian music scene is witnessing an unprecedented public confrontation as three of its prominent artists have simultaneously turned their fire on Dapper Music and its founder, Damilola “Dapper” Akinwunmi. What began as one artist’s grievance has snowballed into a collective outcry that’s forcing uncomfortable conversations about how the Afrobeats industry handles artist rights, financial accountability, and catalogue ownership.

The storm broke on August 14, 2026, when T.I Blaze took to social media with explosive claims against his former label. The “Sometimes” hitmaker didn’t mince words, alleging that a staggering ₦1.2 billion in revenue from his music remains unaccounted for. He questioned how Virgin Music became entangled in his catalogue’s licensing and revealed he’d been attempting to resolve matters privately for seven months after his contract expired. T.I Blaze made it clear he’s ready to settle what he claims is a $185,000 outstanding balance—but only if Dapper releases his catalogue. These are serious allegations that haven’t been independently verified, but they opened the floodgates for others to speak up.

Seyi Vibez, another Dapper Music alumnus who’s since achieved massive success, didn’t stay silent for long. He backed T.I Blaze’s claims with his own accusations, suggesting that profits from his breakthrough were funneled into signing new artists while he saw little benefit. His warning to current Dapper artists was direct and ominous: watch out, because you might be next. Then came Shallipopi, the Plutomania pioneer, who alleged that his catalogue had been sold or transferred without proper accounting and claimed royalties for 46 songs remain unpaid. He even threatened to involve the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) if the matter isn’t resolved.

This isn’t Shallipopi’s first rodeo with Dapper either. Back in December 2024, he dramatically exited the label, claiming financial mismanagement and unauthorized advances taken against his name and catalogue. He alleged being pressured into a deal that would give the company 30% of his earnings even post-separation. That fallout led him to establish Plutomania Records, bringing artists like Zerry DL and Tega Boi into his own fold. As of now, Dapper Music and Damilola Akinwunmi have remained conspicuously silent on these latest allegations, leaving the industry watching closely to see how this saga unfolds.

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