- Dapper Music & Entertainment has issued a statement addressing allegations of exploitation and unfair contracts following the departure of artists Shallipopi and Muyeez.
- The record label denied the claims, emphasizing its commitment to transparency, fairness, and artist development.
Dapper Music & Entertainment has issued a detailed press release addressing allegations made following the departure of artists Crown Uzama, also known as Shallipopi, and Muyeez from the label.
The accusations centre on alleged exploitation and unfair contracts, which Dapper Music firmly denies, emphasizing their commitment to transparency, fairness, and artist development.
The label clarified that contracts were voluntary, with artists having opportunities for legal counsel. They denied claims of indefinite ties to artists’ future earnings, asserting that agreements pertained solely to projects undertaken during the contract period. Specifically, Shallipopi’s terms were renegotiated in October 2024, allowing for greater flexibility, with his full agreement.
Regarding Muyeez, Dapper refuted claims of signing him as a minor, stating his father endorsed the contract with witnesses present. They also dismissed allegations of financial mismanagement, highlighting their cooperative audit process and detailed accounting practices.
The statement condemned the accusations as premeditated attacks designed to damage their reputation, citing the label’s track record of successfully fostering Nigerian artists who have received global recognition.
The statement reads:
“Press Release: Dapper Music & Entertainment
Addressing Recent Allegations with Transparency and Integrity
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.
Management Commission and Investment
All parties, including the artist in question, willingly agreed to a 30% management commission. This decision was made voluntarily and reflects the substantial investment required to launch and sustain their careers. It is important to note that earning from music in our territory is challenging due to lower royalty payouts compared to other regions, yet our investment remains substantial. We are committed to bringing new voices and talents to the world.
Addressing Recent Accusations
1. Contract Terms: 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.
2. Commitment to Artists: Our commitment to artists is ongoing. After the success of Mr. Crown Uzama’s first album, he had the opportunity to review and renegotiate the terms with full legal representation. 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.
3. Accounting Transparency: We have provided all parties with full accounting via our accounting system. We are surprised by Mr. Crown Uzana’s false claims, especially as we are currently cooperating fully with the auditors he has engaged. We remain actively involved in the audit process, having just held a meeting on Monday, the 9th of December 2024
4. Legal Threats: We have received several emails from legal representatives threatening to destroy our business by utilising the court of public opinion. We are confident that we have conducted business with the highest integrity and are prepared to seek redress in a court of competent jurisdiction.
5. Minor Allegations: It is completely false that Moshood Abdulmuiz p/k/a Muyeez signed a contract with us as a minor. On the contrary, his Guardian and Father namely, Moshood Basheer specifically signed the said contracts on his behalf with witnesses at the signing ceremony.
6. Premeditated Attack: It is clear that all of these allegations are premeditated, false, calculated and sponsored attacks against us by proxies as a result of our growth and success as a company. Consequently, appropriate actions would lie against these proxies in due course.
Commitment to Artists and the Industry
It is extremely disappointing to see these actions, especially after Dapper Music & Entertainment and Dvpper Digital have worked tirelessly to build several artists’ careers that have dominated the Nigerian and global charts. Any claims of mismanagement or disruption to the artist’s career are baseless and difficult to prove. Under our management, Mr. Crown Uzama, Muyeez and other artists careers have flourished, and they have been widely recognised for their talent and achievements. including award nominations. We are always open to supporting talent and we are flexible to adjust to ensure that they feel protected.
Today, we question the fairness of an industry where talents sometimes repay investment with accusations and a lack of gratitude. Building a career in music is expensive. For every video shot. album produced, and promotional campaign executed, there is a financial cost that a label must bear. It is only fair that these investments are recouped so that other artists can benefit from the same opportunities afforded to them.
To Our Supporters
To the fans who buy tickets, stream songs, and share music, thank you for believing in the power of creativity. You enable outfits like Dapper Music & Entertainment to take risks on emerging talent in a non-discriminatory manner and irrespective of the condition we meet them. To the businessmen who venture into this unpredictable industry, your belief is the backbone of our resilience. This is about creating an industry where respect, integrity, and gratitude guide relationships. An artist’s talent is undeniable, but behind every hit song lies a story of teamwork, sacrifice, and investment.
Our Commitment
We at Dapper Music & Entertainment remain committed to supporting talent, fostering creativity. and sharing the beauty of music. For this industry to thrive, there must be balance-a recognition of effort, respect for partnership, and understanding of mutual responsibility.
To those who stand with us, we appreciate you. Let us continue to champion the dreams of many while upholding the values that make the creative industry one of the most inspiring. We have a legal system and legally binding agreements that protect both parties and are still subsisting. 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.
Dapper Music & Entertainment remains dedicated to transparency, fairness, and the success of our artists.
Signed by
Dapper Group.”
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