Nigerian singer T.I Blaze has publicly accused music executive and Dapper Music of failing to account for about N1.2 billion allegedly connected to royalties, music licensing and artists’ intellectual property.
The singer makes the allegations in a series of posts on X, where he questions the management of music catalogues and the distribution of revenue generated from artists’ works.
T.I Blaze also raises questions about the involvement of Virgin Music in the arrangement, particularly over how revenue shares are structured and who bears the cost of the company’s alleged percentage.
“How did Virgin Music get into a business where you’re supposed to take 30 percent and bounce, from whose cut is Virgin taking their bag? … how did 1.2 billion naira go unexplained. Dapper Music come and answer?” he writes.
The singer further alleges that his intellectual property is licensed without mutual agreement, describing the situation as a betrayal of artists who contributed to generating the revenue.
“Who dey licenses another person intellectual property without mutual agreement? Dapper your cup don finally full,” T.I Blaze says in another post.
He also claims he has waited several months for the dispute to be resolved amicably, alleging that he has gone seven months without a new release.
According to T.I Blaze, his contract has expired, while he questions the handling of an alleged $185,000 amount against the backdrop of more than N1 billion in revenue. He says he is willing to pay to secure the release of his catalogue.
The allegations come amid renewed scrutiny of Dapper Music’s relationship with Nigerian artists, with former and current acts linked to the management company becoming part of the wider conversation around artist contracts, catalogue ownership, royalties and financial transparency.
Seyi Vibez and Shallipopi, who previously had ties with Dapper Music, have also been associated with public discussions surrounding their departures and experiences with the management company. Shallipopi reportedly left the arrangement more than two years ago, while Seyi Vibez has also moved on from the label.
In the latest wave of criticism, Seyi Vibez is cited as making harsh remarks about his former label boss, adding another layer to the controversy surrounding Dapper Music and its dealings with artists.
Other names associated with the management outfit include TML Vibez and Rybeena, who remain linked to the company despite the growing public debate.
The development has therefore reignited questions about how music management companies handle artists’ catalogues, licensing agreements, royalty payments and contractual obligations in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding music industry.
For now, T.I Blaze’s claims remain allegations, and the figures and contractual arrangements he referenced have not been independently established in the material available. His demand for answers, however, places Dapper Music and the wider issue of artist-management accountability firmly in the spotlight.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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