Ayo Maff and the record label are having a serious conflict due to a breach of contract.

Ayorinde Mafoluku, a well-known singer better recognized as Ayo Maff, is facing a conflict with his record label, Tunesbid Limited, regarding supposed violations of their contract.

On Monday, July 21, a statement from Precious Okolie, the label's CEO, was shared with Punch Online. Tunesbid claimed that even though they had significantly invested in promoting Ayo Maff—releasing songs like "Street Anthem," "7 Days," and "Dealer"—the artist and his management secretly sought a partnership with Empire Distribution, which showed interest in distributing two of his Extended Play albums.

The statement stated, “These initiatives caught the attention of international distribution firms like Empire Distribution, who then proposed to distribute two EPs for the artist, including an option for a full album. Under this proposal, Empire Distribution would also make an upfront payment to Tunesbid Limited. The details of the agreement with Empire were completed and documents were sent to Tunesbid Limited for signing.

“Unbeknownst to the label, Ayo Maff and his management team—comprising Oyefeso Oluwamayowa Olumide, Okolie Arnold Chiedu, and Oyefeso Ayotunde—had deceived Tunesbid by making a deal with the label while intending to ignore it.

“In a quick reveal of their deceitful intentions, the artist and his team refused to sign the distribution contract, opting instead to meet privately with Empire Distribution representatives. While the discussions were ongoing, and after repeated requests from the artist's management, the label took steps to finance the recording of songs meant for the first EP project with Empire Distribution.”

Furthermore, it was alleged that “once the recording was complete,” the artist and his management left the label’s office without notice or submitting the songs they had recorded.

The statement further detailed that the artist and his management sent letters dated May 17, 2024, and May 30, 2024, indicating their intention to break the contract less than six months after it was signed.

It concluded by mentioning, “The label made numerous attempts through mediation and official communication to resolve this breach amicably, but it quickly became clear that neither the artist nor his management desired a peaceful solution. Consequently, Tunesbid Limited directed its legal team, headed by Zaeda Oracle, to begin pursuing legal options to address this clear contract violation.”

In a separate interview conducted with our correspondent, Ayotunde Oyefeso, the manager of Ayo Maff, accused Tunesbid of failing to meet its financial commitments to the artist.

He pointed out that the contract clearly stated if the label did not uphold its responsibilities, the singer had the right to exit the agreement.

Oyefeso remarked, "We notified the label two weeks in advance about our decision to leave, as the contract required. They had the opportunity to address the issues during that period.” He continued, “The contract stipulated that Ayo was to receive an advance of N100 million, but we preferred to receive N25 million quarterly instead of one lump sum. Unfortunately, they never paid anything—except once when the CEO gave him N100 for his 'sacrifices.'”

He further elaborated, “It’s hard to believe that a talented artist with hit songs didn’t even have his own place and had to stay with friends. The label takes all royalties and concert earnings. How is the artist supposed to support himself?”

When the artist could no longer tolerate these conditions, he decided to leave.

Oyefeso alleged that the label had not financed any of the singer’s music videos, stating that the video for the popular song "Dealer" was actually funded by Fireboy DML, who featured on it.

Additionally, he mentioned that both sides attended a mediation meeting where the label was encouraged to resolve the issue amicably, but this offer was allegedly rejected. Instead, he claimed, the label's head insisted on N400 million.

When our correspondent followed up with Tunesbid regarding Oyefeso’s allegations, the label insisted that they had invested in the artist’s career.

Tunesbid emphasized that Ayo Maff remained bound by his contract and was not permitted to sign any new agreements.

The label stated, “We want to make it clear to everyone that Ayo Maff is still under an existing contract with Tunesbid Limited, and any assumptions to the contrary are false and invalid. Furthermore, anyone, including individuals or entities, who engages with Ayo Maff or OceanStreet Creative Limited (claiming to manage the artist) does so at their own risk and may face legal action. Therefore, we advise all show promoters and entertainment companies working with Ayo Maff and his management to cease any illegal associations immediately to avoid potential legal repercussions from Tunesbid Limited.”