- The relationship between record labels and artistes in Nigeria is a bittersweet journey
- Some artistes have been forced to leave record labels over allegations and unfair treatment while some departures were amicable
- TheRadar curated a list of 15 popular Nigerian artistes who have, for one reason or another, left their record labels
Over the years, the Nigerian music industry has been lively, with many achievements, rivalries, and captivating drama.
With countless artists making their marks, the scene has been characterized by impressive milestones as well as intense feuds that fuel public interest.
Additionally, the trend of artistes departing from their record labels to seek new opportunities has become a consistent phenomenon, shaping the dynamics of the industry and influencing the careers of many musicians.
Sometimes, artistes' departures from record labels unusually lead to label splits, wrangles, and lawsuits. Other times, it goes smoothly and amicably.
Recently, popular singer Shallipopi announced his departure from Dapper Music and Dvpper Digital. This comes after his colleague Seyi Vibez also left the record label.
Following this, TheRadar examined a list of notable Nigerian artistes who have also left their record labels for new ones in the past 10 years.
15 popular Nigerian artistes and records label they left
- Shallipopi — Dapper Music (2024)
Nigerian singer Shallipopi is the latest singer to leave his record label, Dapper Music and Dvpper Digital. The 24-year-old singer made the announcement on his Instagram page on December 11, 2024. According to him, three major reasons why he left Dapper Music include a lack of transparency, a conflict of interest, and an Unfair forever deal.
- Seyi Vibez — Dapper Music (2024)
In September 2024, popular singer Seyi Vibez parted ways with Dapper Music to become independent. He removed the label’s name from his bio and had the word ‘Independent’ on it. This indicated his non-attachment to any label. However, earlier in the year, the singer launched his record label Vibez Inc., under which he unveiled some artists.
- Wizkid — EME Records
Popular singer Ayodeji Balogun popularly known as Wizkid, was initially signed under Banky W’s EME Records. He reportedly fell out with the label because of the unfair split he was given in his contract. He left and later launched his Starboy record label.
- Skales — Baseline Music
Nigerian singer Skales signed with Baseline Music in 2014. The record label was managed by veterans Howie T and Dipo Abdul. However, Skales reportedly left the label after a year of no investment to move on with his career.
- Runtown — Ericmany Entertainment
In 2016, Nigerian singer Runtown terminated his contract with Ericmany Entertainment over money problems, gross disrespect and threat to life. The CEO of the record label at the time was Prince Okwudili Umenyiora, who was also the CEO of Dilly Motors. Runtown later established his label, Soundgod Music Group.
- Lil Kesh — YBNL Nation
The talented rapper Lil Kesh left YBNL Nation owned by legendary rapper Olamide after his two-year contract ended. There was no renewal, which led to him moving out. Lil Kesh later set his own label called YAGI with the help of his former boss, Olamide.
- Ice Prince — Chocolate City
Ice Prince's contract with Chocolate City expired about two years before he left. Despite his departure, he remained affiliated with the label before publicly confirming that he was no longer with it in 2016. The popular rapper currently has his own imprint record label called Super Cool Cats.
- Tonto Dikeh — DB Records
Nollywood actress and singer Tonto Dikeh announced her departure from D’banj’s owned label in 2016 for business reasons. She didn't go into details, but since then, she hasn't made a comeback into music.
- Adekunle Gold — YBNL Nation
Adekunle Gold, who kicked off his music career with Olamide’s YBNL Nation, is another popular Nigerian singer who left the record label to move on with his career. He is currently signed under Def Jam Recordings.
- Cynthia Morgan — Northside Entertainment Inc.
Cynthia Morgan secured a recording deal with Jude Okoye’s Northside Entertainment in 2013. The deal saw her release popular top charting tracks like Don’t Break My Heart and Lead Me On. However, she went into seclusion after a few more songs. In 2020, Cynthia called out the record label for stealing everything she owned from her.
- Kizz Daniel — G-WorldWide
The singer launched into the Nigerian music scene in 2014 under the G-WorldWide record label. However, in 2017, the Woju crooner fell out with his seven-year contract with the label. The deal ought to have been due in 2020, but he left before then.
- Brymo — Chocolate City
Nigerian artiste Brymo was at loggerheads with his record label over allegations of contract violation. The singer left the label in 2013, shortly after his debut album, Son of a Carpenter. He further accused the label of neglecting him and not promoting his record.
- May D — Square Records
In 2012, the singer called out Square Records on social media, alleging that they made him live under unbearable conditions. He painted a picture of what it was for him. However, Jude Okoye later debunked May D’s claims.
- Mohbad — Marlians Records
The late Mohbad also reportedly had a lingering issue with his signed record label, Marlians Records. He left the label owned by Naira Marley in 2022. The singer had accused the label of refusing to pay him his royalties.
- Oladips — LRR Record Label
Oladips walked out of Reminisce's LRR Record label in 2019 after three years and five months into their five-year contract. His reason for leaving the label stemmed from a lot of allegations.
Mavin Records appoints Tega Oghenejobo as new global president
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that famous record label, Mavin Records, announced a major leadership change by appointing Tega Oghenejobo as its new global president and Chief Operating Officer (COO).
The recent appointment highlighted Tega’s immense contributions to the growth of Mavin Records since being a founding member and its inception in 2012.
