Nigerian Artists Who Dumped Their Record Label Before Mid 2016

Olamide and Don Jazzy started the year 2016 with the first beef of the Nigerian music industry on January 1 during the Headies award. After which the industry has been witnessing series of beefs, break ups and other dramas. 

 

 

Nigerdeltaent.com brings to you collections of artists who have dumped their record label before the first half of 2016. 

 

 

1. Ice Prince – Chocolate City

Ice Prince 5-year-contract with Chocolate City expired in 2013 and since then he was on the label without a contractual agreement until May 2016 when he decided to move on to start his own label. Before he left Chocolate City Records, Panshak Zamani popularly known as Ice Prince was named the new vice chairman of Chocolate City on July 1, 2015. Ice Prince rose to fame after releasing Oleku. He set up his record label called Super Cool Cats under which he released his latest single Chike. 

 

 

2. Lil Kesh – YBNL Records 

 

 Lil Kesh leaving Olamide’s record label, YBNL Records was without any drama. The rapper was freed from YBNL Records, after his two-year contract with the Olamide-led label ran out. Lil Kesh left at the expiration of his single term contract without considering the option of renewal. He has since started his own label YAGI with Olamide’s assistance and full support as he is still under the management of YBNL. 

 

 

3. Chidinma – Capital Hills

 

 Chidinma Ekile popularly known by her stage name Chidinma rose to stardom after winning the third season of MTN Project Fame West Africa. She signed on to Capital Hills Record immediately after winning the reality show in 2010. In 2012, Chidinma won the Best Female West African Act category at the 2012 Kora Awards. The Kedike singer’s five year deal with Capital Hill Records expired in February 2016 and she did not renew it. Both parties chose to keep mute about the affair, but amicably parted ways. There are rumuors that she parted ways wth her record label over sharing formula. 

 

 

4. DJ Zeez – HF Music

 DJ Zeez departing his label was stormy. The Foka Sibe singer abandoned his contract with his record label HF Music and he was sued by the label for breach of contract. Zeez was taken to court for his refusal to record new music under the label and he lost the case. The court had since him to pay damages to the label to the tune of N22 Million. 

 

 

5. Tonto Dikeh – DB Records 

Tonto Dikeh, Star Nollywood actress pitched her tent with D’banj’s DB Records label when she wanted to try out her talent in music. The actress announced her leaving the record label after the both of her son citing business reasons as her reason. 

 

 

6. Baci – Triple MG 

 

For Baci, there was no written agreement between him and his record label but he still hung on to Iyanya and Ubi Franklin’s MMMG, the label did not sign him even after being loyal to the label for six years. The singer was featured in some of Iyanya’s songs but he didn’t get signed and he decided to walk away. Baci has moved on with the anticipation that another record label will sign him soon. 

 

 

7. Milli – Chocolate City

 

Former Chocolate City artiste Milli Fast rising rapper Milli left Chocolate City because he was prevented from releasing music, and dropping his projects. He will soon announce his own record label. 

 

 

8. Saeon – Baseline Music

 

Saeon was freed from her Baseline Music contract, due to creative differences she had with the label, and their alleged lack of support for her artistic direction and progression. 

 

 

 9. Runtown – Eric Many Records

Runtown terminated his deal with Ericmany Entertainment in May, 2016. Like DJ Zeez, Runtown was sued in the Federal High Court by Ericmany on allegations that he signs up, concludes and attends musical shows without the knowledge of the label. On his own part Runtown cited money problems, threat to life and gross disrespect from his label CEO, Prince Okwudili Umenyiora aka Dilly. 

 

 

10. CDQ- 323 Entertainment 

 

CDQ On Tuesday, May 24, 2016 CDQ announced he has dumped the management of his erstwhile manager and estranged husband of Tiwa Savage, Tee Billz, 323 Entertainment management group. The singer alleged that Tee Billz became unreachable ever since his issue with Tiwa Savage. The Nowo E Soke crooner, in the early part 2016 was signed by Tee Billz on 323 Entertainment management group.