Music executive Damilola Akinwunmi, popularly known as DapperDam, has responded to allegations made by artistes Seyi Vibez, Shallipopi and T.I Blaze, challenging them to allow independent audits to determine the facts surrounding their financial and contractual disputes.
The controversy has centred on allegations involving unpaid royalties, music catalogues, contracts and revenue generated from the artistes’ works. DapperDam rejected claims of wrongdoing and maintained that relevant records are available for examination.
“I have nothing to hide. The records exist. The authorities have them. Let the process establish the truth,” DapperDam wrote in a series of posts on X.
He further challenged the artistes to submit their contracts and financial accounts to an independent forensic audit. Among the organisations he suggested were KPMG, PwC and Deloitte, alongside several Nigerian law firms.
DapperDam also claimed that an audit had previously been conducted by what he described as a reputable company.
“We already did an audit from a reputable company! Surprise, surprise, who owes who?” he wrote.
The response followed separate complaints from the artistes. T.I Blaze reportedly questioned the licensing of his music and sought clarification over alleged revenue of about ₦1.2 billion, while Shallipopi accused Dapper Music of withholding royalties linked to 46 songs and raised concerns about the transfer of his catalogue to Virgin Music.
Seyi Vibez also reportedly questioned how income from his music was handled and raised concerns about the management of artistes associated with the label.
The dispute is important because it highlights broader concerns about artist contracts, royalty payments, catalogue ownership and financial transparency within Nigeria’s rapidly growing music industry.
However, the allegations from both sides remain contested, and the claims have not been independently established.
A formal audit, legal proceedings or other official review could potentially determine the accuracy of the competing accounts.
The controversy comes as Nigerian artistes increasingly enter international distribution and licensing agreements, making clear contracts and transparent accounting increasingly important to protecting the interests of both musicians and music executives.
