Dapper Group boss, Damilola “Dapper” Akinwunmi, has broken his silence amid allegations and disputes involving artists formerly associated with his company, insisting that the agreements, finances and investments behind their relationships were properly documented.
In a lengthy statement titled “Everything Except The Noise,” Akinwunmi said he had initially chosen not to respond publicly because he believed business disputes should be resolved through contracts, records and legal processes rather than social media.
He, however, said his continued silence was being interpreted by some people as an admission of wrongdoing, adding that he could no longer remain quiet while what he described as efforts to damage his name and business continued online.
Addressing his relationships with artists including Seyi Vibez, Shallipopi and T.I Blaze, Akinwunmi maintained that their contracts were provided in advance, negotiated and signed with full knowledge of the terms. He rejected claims that the artists did not understand the agreements they entered into.
The music executive also spoke about Shallipopi’s arrest shortly after their working relationship began, claiming that his company paid for legal representation for the artist and another individual arrested alongside him, despite the latter having no contractual relationship with the company.
According to him, Dapper Group provided more than music distribution services, claiming the company invested in A&R, production, songwriting, marketing, videos, tours, logistics and other aspects of the artists’ careers.
Akinwunmi further said the company spent heavily on artists and projects, including recording camps, music videos, international travel, accommodation, properties, vehicles and personal cash advances.
Explaining how label financing works, he argued that money invested by a record label is not a gift but capital expected to be recouped from future earnings under the terms of an agreement.
He said revenue figures being circulated online should not automatically be interpreted as money available for payment to artists, noting that platform fees, distribution costs and recoupable investments must first be accounted for.
On allegations concerning ownership of music masters and catalogues, Akinwunmi maintained that ownership was clearly stated in the contracts and insisted that he had not sold any artist’s catalogue or falsified signatures or documents.
He challenged anyone who believes Dapper Group owes them money to submit the company’s records to an independent forensic audit, promising to accept and publicly acknowledge the findings regardless of the outcome.
Akinwunmi also said the company had cooperated with relevant authorities and was following the dispute-resolution procedures contained in its agreements.
He disclosed that threats had allegedly been made against him and people close to him and said the matter had been documented and reported to the appropriate authorities.
Calling for an end to social media battles, Akinwunmi urged artists, executives and industry stakeholders to allow lawyers, auditors and relevant institutions to examine the facts.
He concluded by asking the public to remain patient and wait for the outcome of the proper processes rather than accepting what he described as the loudest narratives circulating online.
BACKSTORY:
The latest statement from Dapper Group CEO, Damilola “Dapper” Akinwunmi, comes amid renewed allegations and public disputes involving some of the music company’s former artists, including Shallipopi, Seyi Vibez and T.I Blaze. The controversy has centred on claims relating to royalties, financial transparency, music ownership, contracts and the management of artists’ earnings.
The dispute between Shallipopi and Dapper Music dates back to December 2024, when the singer publicly accused the company of financial mismanagement, lack of transparency and exploitation. Dapper Music denied the allegations at the time, maintaining that its agreements were transparent and that artists had opportunities to review their contracts and seek legal representation.
In his latest response, Akinwunmi rejected allegations that Dapper Group withheld money belonging to its artists, insisting that the company’s investment in their careers exceeded the revenue generated. He said the disputed balances remain unrecouped and challenged those involved to submit the company’s contracts, accounts and payment records to an independent forensic audit.
