Emerging Nigerian music sensation Ayo Maff is facing legal heat from his former record label, Tunesbid Limited, following claims of contract violation and deceptive business dealings.
In a statement released by Tunesbid CEO Precious Okolie, the label accused the singer and his management of circumventing an existing agreement by independently pursuing a deal with U.S.-based Empire Distribution. According to the label, the discussions with Empire—which included plans to distribute two EPs and potentially a full-length album—were initiated and facilitated by the label, who had invested heavily in the singer’s early projects, including hit singles Street Anthem, 7 Days, and Dealer.
Tunesbid asserts that while it was in the final stages of executing the agreement with Empire, Ayo Maff and his management team covertly engaged with Empire behind the label’s back, ultimately withdrawing from the formal contract without submitting the completed recordings funded by the label.
The label detailed how, after recording sessions were completed for the EPs intended for the Empire deal, Ayo Maff’s team abandoned the project, issued formal notices (dated May 17 and May 30, 2024) of their intent to exit the contract, and cut off communication. Attempts by the label to resolve the dispute through mediation were reportedly ignored, prompting legal action led by attorney Zaeda Oracle.
Ayo Maff’s Camp Responds
In a direct response to these accusations, the singer’s manager, Ayotunde Oyefeso, claimed that the label failed to fulfill its contractual obligations. He said the deal required a N100 million advance to be paid quarterly in N25 million installments—payments the label allegedly never delivered.
“They only gave him N100 out of goodwill at some point,” Oyefeso stated. “He had hit records but no accommodation, and the label took 100% of earnings from shows and royalties. What was he supposed to survive on?”
Oyefeso added that the music video for Dealer—a breakout hit featuring Fireboy DML—was fully financed by Fireboy himself, not the label. He further alleged that during an attempted mediation, Tunesbid refused a peaceful settlement and instead demanded a staggering N400 million in damages.
Tunesbid Warns Industry Players
In its final word, the label emphasized that Ayo Maff remains under an active legal contract with Tunesbid Limited. It issued a public warning to music promoters, distribution companies, and entertainment stakeholders not to enter into any agreements with the artist or his current management firm, OceanStreet Creative Limited.
“Any engagements with Ayo Maff without our legal clearance will be considered unlawful and will attract legal consequences,” the label declared.
As tensions escalate between the breakout artist and his former backers, the Nigerian music industry watches closely. The dispute underscores the growing friction between young artistes and labels in the era of international distribution deals and digital monetization.