Nigeria: YCee speaks out against exploiting musicians

The rapper was initially responding to a tweet from Michael Ugwu, who tweeted “Nigga ask about me nigga ask about me...I'm a hustler am a am a hustler”—a line originally from Jay-Z’s ‘Dirt off Your Shoulder’. YCee asked, “That's what you call what you be doing to artistes now, ay?”

The rapper, whose song ‘Juice’ has become a nationwide hit, condemned digital distribution firms. “Ever wondered why these execs running digital sharing companies live like they signed all the artistes?” he asked, and then replied, “Cos they eating everyone's money.”

Tweeting directly at Ugwu (@iam_magicmike), he said, “How's business? Booming? You milked anyone new lately?” And: “Oh and don't forget @freemedigital. More like slavery digital. No wonder y’all always smiling in that office.” Free Me Digital is a distribution company founded by Ugwu.

While no reason has been given for YCee's outburst, it is perhaps a result of contractual differences, a common problem in the Nigerian music industry. Last year, Sony Music made moves in the Nigerian music scene, signing Wizkid and Davido, the country’s biggest popstars. It also signed a deal with Tekno and YCee.

Except for Tekno, each of those acts have released new projects since news of their Sony deals was reported by the media, and so far only Wizkid and Tekno appear to be happy with their agreements. Davido complained about interference, and YCee has now spoken out against the global company’s West African representative.

‘"I run Sony music west Africa"’ Ycee tweeted, presumably quoting Ugwu. ‘Running it to where? Running it straight into the ground! And you don't even give half a shit!’

He concluded with three tweets: “Funny how we all know these niggaz ain't straight and we just keep quiet... meanwhile they raping us in silence”, “Don't even know how this dream started and you just wanna reap completely of man’s hardwork and sweat? God forbid!” and “Worst part is everybody know o. But everybody go lock up. Naija way.” [Worst part is everybody knows but they’ll be quiet. It’s the Nigerian style.]

Hours after YCee’s statements and through tweets not directed at any person, Ugwu responded. “Not the first time I’ve been called out and I doubt It will be the last,” he wrote.

He then continued with a few terse tweets: “The act of making false statements about another which harms his reputation. Defamatory statements broadcast over media = libel” and “A contract is a "voluntary" arrangement between two or more parties that is enforceable by law as a binding legal agreement.”

He concluded with: “Appropriate methods of contract dispute resolution. 1)Negotiation 2)Mediation 3)Arbitration 4)Litigation.”

YCee has, however, received support from fellow rappers Show Dem Camp. “Shout out YCEE for speaking out and yanning the real!! Pay artists their just dues,” the duo tweeted.