Damilola Akinwunmi has released a statement to defend his label against severe exploitation claims.
This sweeping saga, which reached a peak in August 2026, saw Dapper Group face intense public scrutiny over artist contracts. From funding Shallipopi’s legal battles to massive global investments, here is the comprehensive breakdown of Damilola Akinwunmi’s seven-page defense.
This industry saga, which began boiling over in early August 2026, has finally received a formal response. Damilola Akinwunmi aka Dapper released a detailed letter to address the heavy allegations.
The music executive shared his side of the story on August 19, 2026. He focused on his business deals with Seyi Vibez, Shallipopi, and T.I Blaze. Fans have waited eagerly for this exact clarity.
1. The Core Contract Disputes
Many critics claimed the label exploited young artists with bad terms. Akinwunmi strongly rejected this narrative in his statement.
”The suggestion is that these artists did not know what they were signing. I do not accept that, and the record does not support it. A man who has the document days in advance, who negotiates its terms, who improves them, who takes the benefits under it on the day it is executed, and who then operates under it for years without complaint, knows what he signed.”
The executive wrote this to clarify the negotiation process. He stated that Seyi Vibez even brought his own legal counsel.
2. Denying The Catalog Sales
Rumours recently spread that the company sold off artist Zerry DL’s catalogs. Akinwunmi used his letter to clear the air immediately.
”I have not sold anyone’s catalogue. Not to a distributor, not to a third party, not to anyone.”
Akinwunmi declared this to end the ongoing online speculation. He maintained that ownership simply follows the massive financial risk.
3. Shallipopi’s Legal Troubles
The executive also discussed the difficult period when Shallipopi faced arrest. The label boss claimed he did not abandon the young star. Instead, the company paid lawyers to handle the legal mess.
”…instead, and I have deliberately stayed away from responding to every accusation, because I do not want to turn the internet into my courtroom. I would ask that we keep this where it belongs.”
The label boss noted this regarding his initial silence. He confirmed that the firm even funded legal help for a friend. They invoiced all fees properly to keep accurate records.
4. Heavy Financial Investments
The letter detailed the sheer cost of building a global music career. The founder explained that the label took all the early financial risks.
”To put that in perspective, two videos for one artist, shot in America, cost this company fifty two thousand dollars. Not fifty two thousand naira. One of them was an announcement piece that was never officially released, so it earned nothing and was never meant to. One trip to the United States, for recording camps and video shoots, came to over two hundred thousand dollars once flights, visas, accommodation, ground movement and welfare for everyone travelling were counted. There was no show and no fee attached to it. That was money spent purely on making the work, long before anyone knew whether it would return. Every amount is documented, and every amount sits in the same accounts and statements I am inviting independent firms to examine.”
Akinwunmi shared these figures to highlight the massive capital involved. He argued that the company deserves to recoup these huge investments.
5. How Label Financing Works
Fans often misunderstand how record labels distribute funds. The executive took time to explain the basic mechanics of music advances.
”Advances are recoupable, and that was set out in the agreements and communicated clearly to every artist before they signed. It is not a detail anyone discovered later. That is not exploitation.”
The founder explained this to educate observers on industry standards. He stated that the money provided upfront is never free. If a record fails, the label carries the entire financial loss.
6. Rejecting Forgery Claims
The situation grew darker when people suggested the company forged signatures. The label leader refused to let this specific accusation slide.
”It is false. No signature on any Dapper agreement was falsified, and no document was fabricated. That is a matter of record, it is capable of being verified, and it will be.”
Akinwunmi stated this firmly to protect his business integrity. He promised that experts will verify every single document.
7. The Call For A Forensic Audit
The company boss believes an independent review will clear his name. He challenged his accusers to bring in trusted accounting professionals. He wants the actual facts to replace the viral social media noise.
”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. If there is evidence that we owe anyone anything, let it be established properly and let the appropriate action follow.”
He declared this while inviting total public scrutiny. The executive promised to accept the findings of any qualified firm.
8. Timing And Ongoing Processes
The executive also questioned the timing of these sudden viral complaints. He hinted that these issues always arise during new song releases. He also revealed that official dispute resolution processes are already moving forward.
”One last observation. These accusations tend to surface when there is a record coming, or a song about to be premiered. I will not tell anyone what to make of that. Look at the timing yourself.”
Akinwunmi wrote this to point out a suspicious pattern.
”There is already a date fixed. It was set through the proper process, both sides were notified, and every party in this dispute knows exactly when it is. I mention that only because anyone following this online would not know it from what has been said there. I intend to be there, as I was the last time. The dispute keeps being brought online”
READ ALSO: T.I Blaze threatens Dapper: Singer exposes forged signatures and missing funds
The leader added this to confirm the legal schedule. He stressed that both sides already agreed to meet.
9. Final Pleas For Patience
The music industry thrives on collaboration, but disputes often create deep divides. The executive urged young people watching to learn the right lessons. He asked everyone to stop fighting and let the proper experts work.
”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 pleaded with the public to respect the legal process. He truly believes the official records will validate his position entirely.
”So I would ask one thing of the public. Wait. Look at the facts as they emerge rather than the loudest version of them, and let the people whose job it is to examine the books and the contracts do that job. When they have, whatever they find will be there for everyone to see, and I will live with it either way. I am asking for patience, not for the benefit of the doubt.”
Akinwunmi concluded his message with this final request. He remains proud of the dreams his company helped build.
This massive public statement marks a crucial turning point for the record label. Fans and industry insiders must now wait for the audit results. Will this move finally end the ongoing social media war?
