Iconic Global
JTon Music, former record label of Qing Madi, has addressed claims made by the artiste that it deliberately removed her song from Spotify.
In April, Qing Madi accused JTon of pulling down ‘Pepper Me,’ her collaboration with Zinoleesky, from the streaming platform due to its strong performance.
She also alleged a broader pattern of harassment aimed at stalling her career and claimed the label had previously filed a $1 million lawsuit against her and lost.
In a statement posted on X, JTon Music dismissed the accusations as “false, unfair, and misleading”.
The label insisted the matter is strictly a legal and commercial dispute centered on contracts and music rights.
JTon denied ever suing the singer, stating that she was the one who first approached the court. The label said it has only taken lawful steps to defend its investments and business interests.
It also rejected claims of harassment or intimidation, adding that it holds no personal grudge against the artiste.
“Ordinarily, we would not respond to matters that are already before a competent Court of law. However, given the nature of the statements being circulated, it has become necessary to clarify JTON’s position in the interest of fairness, accuracy, and public understanding. JTON Music is a law-abiding company. At all times, JTON has chosen to seek justice and protect its rights strictly through lawful means and within the ambit of the law,” the statement reads.
“For clarity, JTON did not initiate this dispute in the public space. The artist first approached the Court, and JTON has only taken lawful steps in response to protect its investment, business interests, contractual rights, and the work put into the artist’s career.
“JTON has no personal issue with the artist. This matter is not about intimidation, bullying, or any threat to her person. It is a legal and commercial dispute concerning rights, obligations, investment, and the protection of works and opportunities developed during the course of a professional relationship.
“It is therefore deeply concerning that the matter is now being presented online as though JTON or its officers are threatening the artist’s life or engaging in harassment. These allegations are false, unfair, and capable of misleading the public. JTON categorically states that it has not threatened the artist, nor has it authorized anyone to threaten, harass, intimidate, or endanger her in any way. Any suggestion to the contrary is completely denied.”
The label explained that the song was removed from Spotify following a partial injunction granted by a Lagos high court.
It said that the order temporarily restrained Qing Madi from releasing or performing content allegedly produced or financed under the label.
According to JTon, the singer later released an EP through another distributor despite existing contractual obligations.
JTon further noted that it has a recording and distribution agreement with Sony Music and Bu Vision, adding that all parties must respect existing arrangements.
“The recent ruling of the High Court of Lagos State, Nigeria, should not be misrepresented. The Court did not hold that JTON had no case. In fact, the Court granted part of JTON’S interlocutory injunction application and restrained the artist from releasing, publishing, or performing music, recordings, or content produced, promoted, or financed under JTON and entering into new agreement or deals using the brand or professional platform developed by JTON pending the determination of the suit It is important to also note that, JTON Music also has a recording and distribution agreement with Sony Music and Bu Vision,” the statement added.
“These arrangements remain subject to lawful enforcement and must be respected by all parties. Where recordings fall within those arrangements, they cannot be released, distributed, or commercially exploited outside the agreed structure without the necessary authorization. JTON’s position is simply to ensure that all parties respect existing obligations.
“JTON remains committed to due process. All actions taken so far, and all actions to be taken going forward, will be within the confines of the law and under the supervision of the Court in Nigeria and in New York. We urge the public, media platforms, commentators, and fans to allow the judicial process to take its course and to refrain from spreading unverified claims that may prejudice the ongoing proceedings.
“JTON will continue to respect the Court, respect the artist’s personhood and autonomy, and pursue its legal and contractual rights responsibly. The company remains committed to honouring all valid agreements and resolving disputes through the proper legal and contractual processes.
“UPDATE (4): Despite these outstanding obligations, she bypassed all parties to the agreement and proceeded to release the EP under another distribution company. We understand that public sympathy can be powerful, especially where an artist has a strong fan base.”
NEW LABEL RESPONSE
Reacting via an Instagram post, KFMD, Madi’s new label, accused JTON of “misinterpreting” the court order.
KFMD said the court ruled that Madi was a minor when she signed her contracts with JTON and that the contracts could be legally cancelled when she became an adult.
They also alleged that the court did not fully side with JTON like they claimed, clarifying that only a limited order was granted over specific recordings linked to old agreements, while Madi remains free to release new music and build her career independently.
The label further accused JTON of mismanaging finances and failing to properly account for the singer’s earnings, while insisting that all claims of copyright control, performance bans, or restrictions on her independent work are false or misleading.
“JTON brought this case. The artist did not. JTON’s Claim that the artist “first approached the Court” is false. In Suit No. LD/5242CMVWI2025 before the High Court of Lagos State, JTON Entertainment Limited is the Claimant and Applicant. JTON filed the suit. JTON filed the application for injunction. Qing Madi is the Defendant who was taken to court and who defended herself successfully. JTON cannot file a case, lose the substance of it, and then position itself as the party seeking calm,” the statement reads in part.
“On 25 May 2026, the Hon. Justice T.B. Sunmonu delivered a ruling that JTON is now misrepresenting. The Court held the following The management contracts JTON relies on were executed when Qing Madi was 16 years old and a minor. Under the Child’s Rights Law of Lagos State 2015, the age of majority is 18. The Court found these to be infancy contracts, found them voidable, and found that Qing Madi validly repudiated them on reaching adulthood.
“The Court affirmed her right to choose her own manager, to negotiate and enter into new agreements, and to release and perform music under brands and platforms not connected to JTON. That right is now confirmed by a court of law. The Court dismissed JTON’s attempt to stop her from benefiting from her own third party relationships, including her relationship with Riot Games, because JTON could not prove it facilitated them.
“The Court dismissed JTON’s application to silence her and her family, because JTON produced no defamatory material. The Court dismissed JTON’s application to freeze her revenue. The single narrow order JTON now waves around is a temporary measure that holds the position on specific recordings financed under the repudiated contracts while the substantive case is heard.
“It is not a finding that JTON was right. It does not touch Qing Madi’s independent catalogue, her new music, or her freedom to build her career on her own terms. JTON is presenting a holding order as a win. It is nothing of the sort.”
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