Dapper Music also said contracts with its signees are mutually agreed upon, adding that the singers had legal representation
By Kehinde Okeowo
Music label, Dapper Music & Entertainment has countered allegations by two of its Afrobeats stars, Crown Uzama better known as Shallipopi and Moshood Abdulmuiz aka Muyeez, that it engaged in mismanagement, exploitation, and lacked transparency.
The music company denied the claims on Thursday in a statement, while addressing the greeviaces of their two former signees.
TheNiche had earlier reported that Muyeez, who signed with Dapper Music as a teenager, announced his departure from the label recently.
Speaking via a statement he shared on his Instagram page and titled, “MY TRUTH: MUYEEZ SPEAKS OUT AGAINST EXPLOITATION” he wrote, , I am breaking my silence to share the painful truth about my journey as an artist under Dapper Music & Entertainment Limited.
“What should have been a dream come true turned into a nightmare of exploitation, neglect, and betrayal. I can no longer stay silent while my hard work and dedication are taken for granted.
“It is with a heavy wart that I announce the termination of my agreement”
Prior to this, Shallipopi had levelled similar allegations against the label and announced his exit.
Reacting to their claims, Dapper Music said all its contracts are clear, fair, and mutually agreed upon, with artistes having the opportunity for legal representation.
“At Dapper Music & Entertainment, we prioritise transparency and fairness in all our operations.
“Every contract we offer is presented with clarity, ensuring that both parties fully understand and agree to the terms. Our artists are always provided with the opportunity for legal representation.” the label said.
It further explained that the 30% management commission is a standard industry practice, reflecting the substantial investment required to launch and sustain artistes’ careers.
It also denied allegations of a “forever deal” with Shallipopi, stating that the terms of his contract were renegotiated in October 2024.
Dapper Music went on to express surprise at Shallipopi’s alleged “false claims,” stating that they had been cooperating with the auditors he engaged.
“We do not have any agreements with Mr. Crown Uzama that tie the artist’s future earnings to our business indefinitely.
“Our contracts solely relate to recordings and opportunities worked on and provided by our team within the contract term, which is common practice in the recording industry.
“After the success of Mr. Crown Uzama’s first album, he had the opportunity to review and renegotiate the terms with full legal representation.
ALSO READ: Singer, Muyeez follows Shallipopi’s footsteps, leaves Dapper label
“On October 28, 2024, we varied the terms to ensure he had the freedom to explore new opportunities. Confident in our partnership, he and his representative willingly signed a second agreement. This was a collaborative decision, not coercion.”
Regarding Muyeez’s contract, it clarified that it was signed by his guardian and father, Moshood Basheer, in the presence of witnesses.
“It is completely false that Moshood Abdulmuiz p/k/a Muyeez signed a contract with us as a minor.”
Dapper Music expressed disappointment at the allegations, describing them as “premeditated, false, calculated, and sponsored attacks” orchestrated by “proxies” in response to the company’s growing success.
The label emphasised its commitment to conducting business with integrity and stated that any disputes should be handled through legal channels.
It added that it has a legal system and legally binding agreements that protect both parties and are still subsisting.
According to the label, it has conducted business with the highest integrity and is prepared to seek redress in a court of competent jurisdiction.
“We have a legal system and legally binding agreements that protect both parties and are still subsisting. We are confident that we have conducted business with the highest integrity and are prepared to seek redress in a court of competent jurisdiction.
“Accordingly, all matters moving forward should be taken to court or the dispute resolution process and decided fairly. They should not be tried in the court of public opinion, and neither should any ineffective unilateral pronouncements or unsubstantiated allegations on the agreements made,” the statement read..