The Nigerian artist accused Damilola Akinwunmi of withholding revenue and making secret deals
On August 14, 2026, Nigerian singer T.I Blaze publicly challenged Dapper Music founder Damilola Akinwunmi over unpaid royalties. The artist claimed that one point two billion naira vanished from his total music revenue. He demanded the immediate release of his entire catalogue.
The Nigerian music space saw a massive shock on Friday morning. Singer T.I Blaze accused his former label boss of bad money deals.
Akinwunmi leads the main team at Dapper Group. Fans also know him as the romantic partner of celebrity chef Hilda Baci. The executive recently signed a major distribution deal with Virgin Music.
Virgin Music Deal Sparks Conflict
ValidUpdates understands that a specific licensing deal sparked this huge dispute. Blaze felt deep anger about the secret use of his intellectual property.
”F—k Ripper music … Who dey licenses another person intellectual property without mutual agreement? Dapper your cup don finally full ,” the artist wrote.
The singer questioned the strict money terms between his primary label and outside partners. He stated that the label should take a standard thirty percent cut. Blaze specifically demanded answers about his missing one point two billion naira.
”How did virgin music get in to a business where you’re supposed to take 30 percent and bounce , from whose cut is virgin taking their bag? … how did 1.2 billion naira go unexplained . Dapper music come and answer ?” the singer tweeted.
The young star revealed that his official recording contract recently expired. He claimed his account shows a massive debt despite generating high revenue.
”Im not being dramatic,i waited for this go amicably. 7months no new drop. You think say I jonze . Me wey dey game pass 😂😂 .Contract expire , you wan dull me keh . The – $185k after over a billion revenue prove it . Drop my catalogue I’ll pay it . Nah less,” the rapper declared.
Catalogue Demand and Next Steps
This public dispute shows the deep trust issues between African artists and large record labels. Blaze remains fully determined to buy back his master recordings. He appears ready to pay a high price to gain complete freedom.
Akinwunmi holds major power within the Nigerian music business. His record label distributes music for top stars like Omah Lay and Shallipopi.
Fans now await a formal response from the Dapper Group camp. The music executive has stayed fully silent on his social media pages. This story remains active as both parties prepare their next legal moves.
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