Let The Numbers Speak – Dapper Music Breaks Silence Amid Artist Disputes
Dapper Music & Entertainment founder Damilola Akinwunmi has broken his silence following a series of public accusations by artists Seyi Vibez, T.I Blaze, and Shallipopi.
In a lengthy statement on his Instagram page, he addressed allegations of financial misconduct, forged signatures, and exploitative contracts.
Akinwunmi explained that every artist was sent their contract in advance, with time to review and negotiate terms before signing. He noted that Seyi Vibez was accompanied by legal counsel, and Shallipopi had multiple witnesses present before signing. He also dismissed the allegation of forged signatures, stating, "It is false. No signature on any Dapper agreement was falsified, and no document was fabricated."
He further responded to the financial claims, pointing out that catalogue revenue figures being quoted online are gross earnings before platform deductions, distributor fees, and recoupable costs.
He explained that the company had invested heavily in recording, production, music videos, tours, and personal advances, often exceeding what the artists earned, leaving them in an unrecouped position.
"When you place what was actually earned beside what was actually invested, these accounts do not show a label holding money that belongs to an artist. They show the opposite," he said.
The music executive also addressed the ownership of masters, clarifying that when a label funds the making of a record, it holds the recording it paid for, a practice that is standard across the music industry.
He further expressed his willingness to undergo an independent forensic audit, stating, "Let the numbers speak. Let the documents speak. Tell us where we cheated you, when we cheated you and how much we cheated you, based on audited findings and not figures thrown around online."
He also expressed concern over threats made against him and his team, noting that disagreements about contracts should never escalate to that point.
Akinwunmi ended his statement by urging the public to let the facts be established and the truth to stand, even when it is inconvenient. "Let the lawyers do their work. Let the auditors examine the books. Let the contracts be read. Let the facts be established, and let the truth stand, even when it is inconvenient," he concluded.
The Nigerian Voice recalls that Seyi Vibez had earlier claimed his money was used to fund the label's other signings, while T.I Blaze and Shallipopi accused Dapper Music of forging signatures and diverting funds.