Popular singer Ayorinde Mafoluku, known professionally as Ayo Maff, is currently entangled in a contractual dispute with his record label, Tunesbid Limited, over alleged breaches of agreement. In a statement signed by the label’s CEO, Precious Okolie, and shared with Punch Online on Monday, July 21, Tunesbid alleged that despite investing heavily in promoting Ayo Maff with singles such as Street Anthem, 7 Days, and Dealer, the singer and his management engaged in backdoor dealings with international distribution company, Empire Distribution, without the label’s knowledge.
“These efforts attracted the attention of international distribution companies, including Empire Distribution, who subsequently offered a deal to distribute two EPs for the artiste, with an option for an LP album,” the statement said. “As part of this agreement, Empire also agreed to make an upfront payment to Tunesbid Limited. The contract details were finalised and sent to us for execution.”
The label alleged that Ayo Maff and his management—Oyefeso Oluwamayowa Olumide, Okolie Arnold Chiedu, and Oyefeso Ayotunde—intentionally deceived the label by refusing to sign the contract and instead held separate meetings with Empire. It added that the label had already financed the recording of songs intended for the EP under the Empire deal, only for the artiste and his team to exit without notice or submission of the recorded tracks.
According to the label, letters dated May 17 and May 30, 2024, from the artiste’s team declared their intent to walk away from the deal just six months after signing. Multiple attempts at mediation were allegedly rebuffed, prompting Tunesbid to instruct its legal team, led by Zaeda Oracle, to explore legal remedies.
However, in a separate interview, Ayo Maff’s manager, Ayotunde Oyefeso, countered the label’s claims, stating that Tunesbid failed to meet its financial obligations. He claimed the contract stipulated that the singer was entitled to a N100 million advance, broken into quarterly payments of N25 million, none of which was paid—except for a one-time N100 gift from the CEO.
Oyefeso described the singer’s living conditions as dire despite his rising fame, alleging that the label withheld 100 percent of his royalties and concert earnings. He added that the music video for Dealer was funded not by the label, but by featured artiste Fireboy DML.
He also claimed that mediation had taken place and the label was advised to settle the dispute amicably. Instead, he alleged that the label boss demanded a N400 million payment. When asked to respond, Tunesbid stood its ground, stating it had invested in Ayo Maff’s career and that the artiste remains contractually bound.
“We wish to make it clear to the public that Ayo Maff is still bound by an existing contract with Tunesbid Limited,” the label stated. “Any entity entering into commercial or collaborative agreements with Ayo Maff or OceanStreet Creative Limited does so at their own risk and will face legal consequences. Promoters and entertainment companies involved in shows or events with the artiste are advised to desist or risk legal action.”
Source: https://punchng.com/
