Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
The Nigerian music scene is witnessing yet another explosive artist-versus-label showdown. Three heavyweight acts—T.I Blaze, Seyi Vibez, and Shallipopi—have simultaneously leveled serious accusations against Dapper Music and its founder Damilola “Dapper” Akinwunmi. The controversy centers on alleged financial impropriety, missing royalties, and questions about who actually controls these artists’ musical catalogues.
On August 14, 2026, T.I Blaze broke his silence and took to social media to publicly challenge Dapper Music over what he describes as a massive financial discrepancy. The artist alleges that approximately ₦1.2 billion in revenue from his music remains unaccounted for, and he’s demanding clarity on how Virgin Music ended up entangled in the business arrangement. According to T.I Blaze, his contract with the label has expired, yet he’s been waiting roughly seven months for a private resolution that never materialized. He’s now offering to settle what he claims is an outstanding $185,000 balance—but only if Dapper releases his entire catalogue back to him.
What could have remained an isolated dispute quickly escalated when Seyi Vibez, another former Dapper artist, entered the conversation with his own grievances. Seyi claimed that profits generated from his breakthrough success were allegedly funneled into signing new talent rather than being properly accounted to him. He didn’t hold back, warning current Dapper Music artists to watch their backs before they find themselves in similar predicaments. Then Shallipopi added fuel to the fire, alleging that 46 of his songs are generating royalties he’s never seen, and that his catalogue may have been transferred to Virgin Music without proper compensation. The “Pluto Presido” even threatened to escalate the matter to Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
This isn’t Shallipopi’s first rodeo with Dapper. Back in December 2024, he publicly announced his exit from the label, citing broken trust and alleged financial manipulation. He claimed advances were secured against his name and catalogue without his knowledge, and that he was being pressured into a deal giving the company 30% of his earnings indefinitely. Following that split, Shallipopi launched his own imprint, Plutomania Records, bringing artists like Zerry DL and Tega Boi under his wing. As of August 15, 2026, Dapper Music and Damilola Akinwunmi have remained silent on these latest accusations, leaving the industry watching closely for what comes next in this unfolding drama.
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