LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Nigerian singer Shallipopi has accused his former record label boss, CEO of Dapper Music, Damilola Akinwunmi, of allegedly forging his signature to secure a 10-year distribution deal before selling his music catalogue to international music company Virgin Music Group.
The singer, whose real name is Crown Uzama, made the allegations in a statement shared on his X page on Saturday, August 15, detailing his claims over his dealings with Dapper Music.
The “Laho” hitmaker said he initially signed a management agreement with Dapper in 2023 and did not authorize a 10-year distribution contract.
He alleged that his signature was later forged and attached to the agreement despite already having a distribution arrangement with DistroKid.
Explaining the agreement he believes he originally entered into with Dapper Music, Shallipopi stated, “In 2023 I signed to Dapper management only, he forge my signature and put it on a 10 years distribution contract even when I already use distrokid.”
Shallipopi further claimed that Dapper used the alleged forged signature to enter another agreement with Virgin Music Group and subsequently received money from the international company for his catalogue.
Virgin Music is a global music distribution and artist services division owned by Universal Music Group.
READ ALSO: Shallipopi Accuses Dapper Music Of Withholding Royalties From 46 Songs
In Nigeria, it is headed by executive Olukorede “Kay” Ikazoboh, and supports prominent local independent labels and artists like Dapper and Reekado Banks.
Shallipopi further stated that he was not aware that money had been collected from the deal, alleging that the funds were kept by the record label boss while he was encouraged to continue working for future earnings.
“I might be from the trenches but I’m not the dumb type, Dapper went ahead to collect money from virgin music group and he put all those money in his pocket and told me to work more, more and more that my money is in the future!” he said.
Shallipopi has now called for an investigation into the matter, saying he is prepared to involve Nigeria’s anti-graft authorities and make the alleged dealings public.
“I want the EFCC and the entire government, the entire media and everyone in Africa as a whole take this matter very serious,” he added.
The allegations come amid growing disputes between Dapper, Seyi Vibez and T.I Blaze over exploitation and ownership of music catalogues, an issue that has increasingly drawn attention to the financial and contractual side of the entertainment industry.
Dapper Music has yet to publicly respond to Shallipopi’s latest allegations.
