In recent weeks, the Nigerian gospel music scene has been abuzz with a public dispute between renowned singer Mercy Chinwo and her former manager, Ezekiel ThankGod, popularly known as Eezeetee. The controversy centers on allegations of financial misconduct, contract fraud, and breaches of trust, leading to a series of statements and counter-accusations from both parties.
Background of the Dispute
Mercy Chinwo, celebrated for her powerful vocals and inspiring songs, was managed by Eezeetee under his record label, EeZee Conceptz Global, beginning in 2017. Their professional relationship appeared fruitful, contributing significantly to Chinwo’s rise in the gospel music industry. However, underlying tensions have now surfaced, revealing a fractured partnership marred by serious allegations.
Allegations Against Eezeetee
The dispute became public when reports emerged accusing Eezeetee of diverting approximately $345,000 meant for Chinwo. According to these reports, Chinwo alleged that her former manager collected royalties from her digital platforms and events without disclosing or remitting her share. This led to legal actions, including a warrant of arrest issued by Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos, following a motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) based on Chinwo’s petition.
Eezeetee’s Defense
In response to the allegations, Eezeetee took to social media to present his side of the story. He refuted the claims of financial misconduct, asserting that Chinwo had received over $625,000 from the label to date. He expressed dismay at the accusations, stating, “Despite offering a 50/50 gross earnings ratio, you are still trying to weaponize law enforcement and religious organizations to take over a catalogue you did not spend one Naira on.” He further alleged that Chinwo breached their contract by failing to deliver a third album and withholding funds from content and events.
Contractual Discrepancies
The conflict deepened with Chinwo accusing Eezeetee of contract fraud. Through her lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, she claimed that the original contract signed in 2017 was replaced without her knowledge in 2019 with a new agreement that allocated lifetime ownership of all her music works to Eezeetee. She alleged that Eezeetee refused to provide her with a copy of the original contract until its expiration in 2022, and that the new contract was designed to keep her in “perpetual servitude.”
Financial Transparency Issues
Chinwo also accused Eezeetee of modifying financial reports and failing to remit her share of digital streaming earnings. She claimed that he retained $274,000 in digital platform revenues without her knowledge or consent and doctored reports from platforms like Symphonic, Africori, and YouTube to misrepresent the correct revenue split.
Attempts at Reconciliation
Efforts were made to resolve the dispute amicably. According to Chinwo, during a reconciliation meeting at the EFCC office, Eezeetee apologized and promised to make amends. However, she alleged that he later reneged on the agreement and initiated legal action against her. She called on Eezeetee to explain the disappearance of the original 2017 contract and the introduction of the new 2019 contract, urging him to inform the public about the true state of the two agreements.
Public Reactions and Implications
The public dispute has elicited a range of reactions from fans and industry observers. Many have expressed disappointment over the breakdown of a partnership that once seemed harmonious and productive. The allegations have also sparked discussions about the treatment of artists within the Nigerian music industry, particularly concerning contractual agreements and financial transparency.
Conclusion
As the situation continues to unfold, it underscores the importance of clear contractual agreements and transparent financial dealings in the music industry. Both parties have presented compelling narratives, and it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will resolve these complex issues. For now, the gospel music community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that upholds justice and integrity.