Nigerian media personality Shade Ladipo has added her voice to the ongoing dispute between singer Spyro and music executive Pauloo.
The feud, which has captured significant public attention, centers on Spyro’s claims about his time under Pauloo’s management. On January 16, 2035, Ladipo took to her Instagram stories to defend Spyro, suggesting that his account of the music industry was both accurate and necessary.
“PaulO na my Oga, but Spyro did not tell a single lie,” Ladipo wrote in a strongly-worded post. “There are teeeww many jokers in this Nigerian music scene who believe that because they’ve existed in that ecosystem and have some form of influence, they suddenly understand talent or record label management. My Egbons, no be by ‘I don dey industry for 50 years.’”
Her statement appeared to call out the pervasive issues within the Nigerian music industry, emphasizing that longevity in the field does not automatically equate to expertise.
Ladipo also used the opportunity to advise Pauloo and other industry executives to accept both their victories and failures with humility. “Only Don Jazzy/Mavin has proven without reasonable doubt that he understands talent and record label management,” she noted.
“My other Egbons, proudly take your Ls without feeling attacked. Someone sharing an account of their story doesn’t mean they are trying to attack you. If it happened, then it happened. You win some; you lose some. Pauloo, be proud of the investments you made that yielded returns!”
The controversy began after Spyro appeared in an interview on The Echoo Room, where he shared that his career stagnated during his two years under Pauloo’s label.
He claimed he had to take out a loan to promote his single Funke, which caught Davido’s attention and led to a remix featuring Mayorkun. Spyro alleged that despite the label’s involvement, he received little support, prompting him to take matters into his own hands to advance his career.
Pauloo responded with a series of social media posts refuting Spyro’s claims. He shared receipts and documentation to dispute the accusations, expressing disbelief and suggesting that Spyro’s narrative was misleading.
However, Spyro remained resolute in his position, doubling down on his allegations.
“I didn’t lie, Oga Pauloo. Your receipts even validate my point,” Spyro stated. He recounted his experience vividly, adding, “I vividly recall being stranded after One Africa at Wembley because my hotel booking was only for one day. I spent hours in the cold before someone arranged an Airbnb for me. I went days without food until a kind lady helped me out.”
The clash between Spyro and Pauloo has since ignited widespread debate on social media, with fans and industry stakeholders weighing in on the matter. Many have praised Spyro for speaking out about his struggles, while others have urged both parties to resolve their issues privately.
The dispute highlights ongoing challenges in the Nigerian music industry, from artist-label dynamics to broader issues of professionalism and accountability.
