Former artists under Dapper Music — including T.I Blaze, Seyi Vibez, Shallipopi and Zerry DL — have publicly accused the label and its founder, Damilola “Dapper” Akinwunmi, of financial mismanagement, opaque royalty accounting and unauthorised catalogue transfers, reigniting scrutiny over artist contracts and revenue transparency in Nigeria’s music industry.
The latest wave of allegations began on Friday, August 14, 2026, when T.I Blaze posted that roughly ₦1.2 billion in revenue generated from his music remained unaccounted for. He questioned how Virgin Music became involved in the business relationship, stated that his contract with Dapper had expired, and said he had waited approximately seven months for a private resolution. The singer demanded the release of his catalogue and indicated a willingness to settle what he described as an outstanding $185,000 balance. These figures and claims are allegations made by T.I Blaze and have not been independently established.
Shortly after, Seyi Vibez, who previously worked with the label, added his own accusations. He claimed that proceeds from his success were used to sign other artists and that Akinwunmi had benefited significantly from his career. Seyi warned artists still associated with Dapper Music to be cautious, suggesting they could encounter similar problems.
Shallipopi, another major former Dapper Music act, alleged that the label withheld money owed to him and sold or transferred his catalogue without proper accounting. He said royalties from 46 songs remained outstanding and threatened to report the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Shallipopi further claimed that his catalogue, along with those of other artists, had been transferred to Virgin Music and questioned how the resulting revenue was handled. These are allegations made publicly by Shallipopi; there has been no independent finding establishing the claims.
The dispute is not new. In December 2024, Shallipopi announced his departure from Dapper Music and Dvpper Digital, alleging broken trust, mishandled finances and disregarded rights. He specifically alleged that the two entities were connected businesses and that advances were obtained against his name and catalogue without his knowledge or approval. He said he had repeatedly requested access to financial records and was being pushed into a deal that would allow the company to take 30 percent of his earnings even after their relationship ended. Shallipopi subsequently established Plutomania Records, with Zerry DL and Tega Boi among the artists associated with the new label.
As of August 15, 2026, Dapper Music and Akinwunmi had not publicly responded to the latest allegations from T.I Blaze, Seyi Vibez and Shallipopi. The unfolding situation underscores persistent concerns over contractual fairness, catalogue ownership and financial accountability in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding music sector.
