Nigerian singer Oludipe Oluwasanmi David, popularly known as Spyro, has detailed his challenging experience while signed to music executive Paulo Okoye’s record label.
In an interview with Echo Room, Spyro recounted the struggles he endured during his time with the label.
He revealed that he had to secure a loan to cater to his basic needs, claiming he made no financial gains from the arrangement.
According to the “Who’s Your Guy?” crooner, Okoye, though a kind individual and skilled in show business, was not effective in managing the affairs of his record label.
Spyro explained, “I didn’t make anything from the label, and Paulo knew my plight but did nothing about it. While he’s great in showbiz, running a label is not his forte.”
Reacting to the allegations, Okoye took to his Instagram story to refute Spyro’s claims, sharing documents to back his stance. Okoye disclosed that he spent over ₦12 million on the singer and did not recoup a single kobo in return.
In a series of posts, Okoye questioned Spyro’s story, expressing disbelief at the accusations.
However, Spyro stood by his account, stating that his statements were not meant to discredit Paulo’s character.
“I didn’t lie, Oga Paulo. Your receipts even validate my point. 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,” Spyro said.
Spyro also noted broader issues in the music industry, particularly how upcoming artistes are often mistreated by label staff. He described being disrespected and battling an inferiority complex during his time with the label.
“One day, a staff member spoke to me like I didn’t exist. Although Paulo handled the matter well, he was rarely in the country, so I faced a lot alone. As a graduate of the University of Ibadan, it was disheartening to be treated like a commodity,” he lamented.
Despite the fallout, Spyro expressed gratitude to Paulo for helping him gain exposure in the industry. He acknowledged their recent successful tour together and emphasized that there is no bad blood between them.
“All love, Baba. I appreciate you for putting me on. This was part of the process that shaped me into the Spyro I am today,” he concluded.
