JTON Entertainment Limited has dismissed circulating narratives concerning its ongoing legal dispute involving itself, JTON Entertainment Limited, Joy Tongo and singer Amanda Chukwuma, popularly known as Qing Madi.
The development comes after Qing Madi’s ‘Barely Legal’ EP was removed from streaming platforms days after its release, a situation that triggered reactions from the singer on social media.
In a statement issued on Friday, JTON said it was the singer who first approached the court and that it only took lawful steps in response to protect its investment, business interests, contractual rights, and work done in developing the artist’s career. The company said the matter is not about intimidation, bullying, or threats.
“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,” the organisation said.
JTON also stated that it has not threatened the artist or authorised anyone to threaten, harass, intimidate, or endanger her in any way.
According to the company, the recent ruling of the High Court of Lagos State should not be misrepresented, adding that the court did not hold that JTON has no case. It said the court granted part of its interlocutory injunction application and restrained the artiste from releasing, publishing, or performing music, recordings, or content produced, promoted, or financed under JTON, as well as entering into new agreements or deals using the brand or professional platform developed by JTON, pending determination of the suit.
JTON added that it has recording and distribution agreements with Sony Music and Bu Vision, stating that these arrangements remain subject to lawful enforcement and must be respected by all parties. It said recordings under those arrangements cannot be released or commercially exploited outside the agreed structure without authorisation.
“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,” the organisation said.
The company urged the public, media platforms, commentators, and fans to allow the judicial process to continue and to refrain from spreading unverified claims that may affect the ongoing proceedings.
Recall that Qing Madi had accused her former record label boss, Joy Tongo, of financial theft and signature forgery. She made the allegations during a live TikTok broadcast, where she also claimed that JTON Music was trying to sabotage her career.
The dispute escalated after several songs from her Barely Legal project were removed from streaming platforms due to what was described as an alleged breach of contract. Qing Madi also claimed the label took down the songs after losing a 2 million dollar court case against her, and called on supporters to speak out, saying the situation had been exhausting.
“She stole from me, did a bunch of weird things like forging my signature. She sued me for $2M & she lost the case… They went through the corners again to take down the project.”
Qing Madi has emerged as one of the fast rising voices in Nigeria’s new wave of pop and Afro fusion music.
