Nigerian record label TunesBid has initiated legal action against rising Afrobeat artist Ayo Maff, accusing him of breaching a binding recording contract and engaging in fraudulent activities. The dispute, outlined in a public Instagram statement by the label, centers on claims that Maff and his management violated terms agreed upon in a December 2023 deal while pursuing unauthorized partnerships.
According to TunesBid, the exclusive agreement signed last year required the singer—legally named Ayodele Maff—to release three singles funded entirely by the label within seven months. These tracks include Street Anthem, Dealer, and 7 Days, all distributed through a partnership with U.S.-based Empire Distribution facilitated by TunesBid. The label alleges Maff’s team, represented by legal counsel from OceansTreasure Limited, later entered into a separate “dishonourable contract” without its consent, actions described as “conniving to defraud” the company.
The label’s statement emphasized Maff remains legally bound to TunesBid and issued a stern warning to event organizers, collaborators, and brands against engaging with the artist. “Any third party working with Ayo Maff without TunesBid’s authorization will face legal consequences,” the post read. While specifics about the alleged breach remain undisclosed, the label cited “repeated unprofessional conduct” by the artist’s management as a core issue.
Industry observers note such disputes often arise from disagreements over revenue splits, creative control, or exclusivity clauses. Contracts in Nigeria’s fast-growing music sector, valued at $73 million annually by PricewaterhouseCoopers, increasingly draw scrutiny as artists gain global traction. TunesBid’s partnership with Empire Distribution—a major player behind African stars like Fireboy DML and Tekno—underscored its investment in Maff’s international reach.
Neither Maff nor his representatives have publicly responded to the allegations. Legal experts suggest the case could hinge on jurisdictional nuances, as OceansTreasure Limited, the firm representing Maff during the TunesBid negotiations, operates under Nigerian corporate law. The label’s decision to air the conflict on social media reflects a broader trend of airing contractual grievances publicly to pressure artists and deter industry collaborations during disputes.
As litigation proceeds, the situation highlights mounting tensions between emerging artists and labels navigating Africa’s competitive entertainment landscape. For now, Maff’s career momentum hangs in the balance, with potential ramifications for his releases and performances until the legal standoff resolves.
