According to a report by Nigerian Entertainment Today, Afrobeats sensation Qing Madi has publicly accused her former record label, JTon Music, of attempting to sabotage her career. The singer alleged that the label deliberately pulled her hit single “Pepper Me,” featuring Zinoleesky, from Spotify as part of an escalating legal battle.
The “Ole” crooner expressed frustration over what she describes as a targeted effort to destroy her momentum. This development follows a reported $1 million lawsuit filed against the artist by the label. Madi has been a rising star in the Nigerian music scene, and this friction marks a significant hurdle in her transition to independence.
The dispute highlights the ongoing tension between young Nigerian talents and the labels that provide their initial platforms. While the singer remains vocal on social media about her grievances, the label has maintained a legalistic approach to the fallout. Fans have rallied behind the artist, though the track’s absence from major playlists continues to affect her streaming numbers.
The Daily Post Nigeria corroborated the friction, noting that the “paternity scandal and legal disputes” currently rocking the industry have shifted focus toward artist rights, while a separate report on Legit.ng confirmed the “Pepper Me” removal, quoting fans who noticed the track’s disappearance early Wednesday. In a statement on their platform, Daily Post highlighted that “tensions have reached a boiling point,” while Legit.ng reported that “music enthusiasts are reacting to the sudden loss of the hit track on major platforms.”
**Echotitbits take:** This is a classic “David vs. Goliath” scenario that is becoming all too common in the Afrobeats industry. If JTon Music successfully keeps her catalog offline during the lawsuit, it could stall Madi’s breakout year. Watch for a potential out-of-court settlement, as prolonged litigation often hurts the label’s reputation more than the artist’s.
Source: Arise — https://www.arise.tv/qing-madi-says-former-label-removed-her-song-from-spotify/, April 22, 2026
Photo Credit: Arise
