Mercy Chinwo and Eezee Conceptz saga: Nigerian artists who left music lables due to exploitation

While the ongoing feud between popular Nigerian gospel singer Mercy Chinwo Blessed and record label CEO Ezekiel Onyedikachi is turning into a heated battle online, a lot of issues in the artist-manager relationship have been exposed.

The Nigerian music industry has witnessed a lot of fallouts between artists and their music labels. It was recently that Judikay, a popular signee of Eezee Conceptz, also shared her unpalatable experiences in the hands of her manager, though she let go for some personal reasons. The other times were Patoranking, and the list goes on and on. From secular music artists to gospel music artists, everyone has got their own share of marginalisation from record labels.

The rate of music artists clamouring for justice from the oppressive hands of their records managers is so alarming. To worsen the situation, no one could tell who’s wrong between the artist and the manager. The issue has been often swept under the carpet after much online dragging and backlash.

READ ALSO: How Mercy Chinwo’s ex-manager threatened and dragged her to court against popular narrative

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This calls for scrutiny on the industry and carefulness on the part of upcoming artists and music labels.

Nigerian music artists that have cried against oppression from music labels

Below is a list of Nigerian artists who courageously pulled out of their record labels due to exploitation and unjust treatment.

Brymo against Chocolate City

In 2013, music star Brymo parted ways with Chocolate City over contract violation and artist autonomy, alleging inadequate promotion and creative restrictions. The departure led to legal disputes, with the label claiming he breached a five-year contract.

May D against Square Records

May D, who was signed to Square Records, owned by the Psquare brothers, in 2012, left the label amid claims of poor treatment and financial neglect. He cried out over the substandard living conditions and lack of support. Later, he started Confam Entertainment to pursue his career independently.

Runtown against Eric Many Entertainment

Runtown faced a huge dispute with Eric Many Entertainment in 2016. He cried out over royalties withheld by the label and also alleged that the label impeded his career growth. The dispute culminated in court cases before he eventually gained independence.

Kizz Daniel against G-Worldwide

Kizz Daniel, a popular Afrobeats star, parted ways with G-Worldwide in 2017. He cited the label’s restrictive policies, including a ban on collaborations and limitations on his creative freedom. After a series of court battles, he left G. Worldwide and established his own label, Flyboy Inc.

Cynthia Morgan against Northside Entertainment

Cynthia Morgan, the popular “German Juice,” star was signed to Jude Okoye’s Northside Entertainment in 2013. In 2020, she cried out against the oppression from her record label. The agency withheld her stage name, Instagram account, and other assets due to unfavourable contract terms. Those actions greatly affected her career.

Muyeez against Dapper Records

16-year-old rising star Muyeez exited Dapper Records. He stated that the label financially exploited him. He also cried out against the label’s failure to provide transparent accounting and withheld earnings. He didn’t look back when he left the label.

Shallipopi against Dapper Music

Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi, shook the internet over his departure from Dapper Music and Dvpper Digital in December 2024. Shallipopi unfollowed the record label and the CEO on all social media platforms. He made a public cry against injustice and claims of financial mismanagement and exploitation by the label. He alleged that they mishandled his earnings. He later founded his own record label, Plutomania.

Judikay against EeZee Concept

Popular gospel artist Judikay parted ways with EeZee Conceptz amid controversy and a court case. However, she chose to step away from the dispute to prioritise unity within the Christian community. In a statement, she emphasised her commitment to the greater good and unity of the body of Christ, expressing gratitude to supporters and reaffirming her focus on her ministry.

Mercy Chinwo against EeZee Concept

This is the current artist cry of injustice against the record label. Mercy Chinwo publicly alleged that her former record label, EeZee Conceptz, and its founder, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (EeZee Tee), financially mishandled her funds and created a toxic work environment. She alleged that the label withheld royalties from 2022 to 2024 and restricted her collaborations, which she claimed hindered her artistic growth. The dispute escalated to legal proceedings, with both parties presenting contrasting narratives.

These and many more cases of artists crying against injustice have been a recurring thing in the Nigerian music industry and urgently call for attention to address the issues. A body governing artists and label record dealings should be operational in the country to oversee these cases.