Nigerian artistes Shallipopi, Seyi Vibez, and T.I Blaze have publicly accused their former record label, Dapper Music, of unpaid royalties, contract violations, and signature forgery. The label, however, denies all allegations, insisting that existing records and the authorities will establish the truth.
Allegations of Signature Forgery and Unpaid Royalties
Shallipopi alleged that Dapper Music forged his signature on a 10-year distribution deal and collected money from an international record label without his consent. He claimed that in 2023, he signed only to Dapper Management, but the label forged his signature on a distribution contract with DistroKid, despite his existing use of the platform. He also accused Dapper of signing with Virgin Music Group under a forged signature and pocketing the funds.
“I might be from the trenches, but I’m not the dumb type; Dapper went ahead and collected money from Virgin Music Group, and he put all that money in his pocket and told me to work more, more and more, that my money is in the future!” Shallipopi said. He vowed to pursue the matter, stating, “For this case to die, make I just die bro.”
Artistes Claim Label Misconduct
T.I Blaze took to X to accuse the label of licensing an artiste’s intellectual property without mutual agreement. “Fuck Ripper Music… Who dey license another person's intellectual property without mutual agreement? Dapper, your cup don finally full,” he wrote. He also alleged that the label’s activities have affected his music output, claiming he has not released songs recorded over the past seven months.
“The issue is, why did you give artistes a contract you can’t abide by. All the decisions that need two minds were made by Ripper Music. Imagine having separate secret emails for artistes and forging artiste signatures… Nah, jail you go end your life, Ripper Music,” T.I Blaze added.
Seyi Vibez, who left the label two years ago, joined the conversation, claiming he played a major role in building Dapper’s career. He alleged that the label owner used money generated from his success to sign other artistes. “I am bigger than the whole Dapper and his entire generation. And my money was the money being used to sign all the artistes he signed since Chance Naham! Allah walai. I made Dapper,” he said.
Shallipopi Demands Face-to-Face Meeting
Shallipopi also claimed he had previously taken the matter to Burna Boy, who contacted Dapper to resolve the dispute, but Dapper refused to settle. He directly challenged Dapper Music CEO, Damilola Akinwunmi, to address the allegations in person. “I don tweet finish, Mr Damilola Akinwunmi, Aka dapper, let’s meet and get this over with. I’m tired of this online ranting when I have real-life evidence against u with the EFCC. I want us to finish this, make we forget to play smart bro; make we forget manipulation wey u dey do. My auditors have been on u; I want u in my face in real life broski. I want us to end this, leave your hiding spot, tell me in my face u didn’t rip my money,” he said.
Dapper Music Denies Allegations
Dapper, however, dismissed the allegations and accused the artistes of spreading false narratives. “I have nothing to hide. The records exist. The authorities have them. Let the process establish the truth. Don’t come online and spill rubbish narratives & lies, only to mislead the public! You chose to leave! No one forced you, and we are still fine without you! Move on! Stop acting obsessed!!!!!” the label stated.
The public dispute has drawn attention to contractual and financial issues raised by the artistes, with Dapper insisting that existing records and appropriate authorities should determine the truth. The artistes have not indicated next legal steps, but Shallipopi’s mention of the EFCC suggests potential regulatory involvement.
