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How TC Records has denied me royalties for over 14 years – Durella

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In the wake of the passing and burial of Nigerian music sensation Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as Mohbad, a series of intriguing controversies have ignited within the music industry.

One such incident revolves around the feud between Mohbad and his former record label boss, Naira Marley.

However, this ripple effect has extended to another rapper, Oluwadamilare Okulaja, widely recognised as Durella, as he has taken a bold step in confronting the owner of his former record label, TC Records, Bamidele Inubile, whom he refers to as Mr D.

Speaking exclusively with Freelanews, Durella, famous for his hit song ‘Shalaye’, narrated how a long-standing grievance regarding unpaid royalties from his former boss, Mr Inubile, spanning 14 years, has caused him to worry.

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Durella explained, “Mr D has withheld my royalties for an extensive period, even after I had parted ways with his record label. I tried with some IT experts to reclaim those royalties, but they informed me that I required the main copyright for the songs, which is currently in Mr. D’s possession, as he initially distributed them.’’

Durella broke into the music scene in 2006 after he met executives from TC Records while performing at a fashion show. He signed a deal a week later. He is famous for some of his hit songs like ‘Enu O Se’, ‘ My Life’ Ft Terry G, ‘Shayo’ ‘Club Rock’ ‘GaGa’ featuring Wizkid and ‘Wiskolowiska’.

2008, Durella was awarded “MTV Base Advance Warning Artist” of the Year. He is the first Nigerian artiste to own a shoe line: Durella Sneakers, named after his famous slogan “2Gbaski”.

However, after a few years, he decided to part ways with TC Records, later joining IKONIC Records in 2011.

Since his parting ways with TC Records, the musician claims he never received royalties for his songs.

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Despite his persistent efforts, Durella said his attempts to regain control of the copyrights to his music remain futile.
Challenges

Their geographical location further complicates matters, as Durella informed this newspaper that Mr D resides in London and only occasionally visits Nigeria.

Recalling his early days, Durella stated, “When I joined TC Records, I was supposed to receive an apartment as per our contract, but when our relationship soured, he made off with the contract, knowing I didn’t possess a copy, hence his stubborn stance. I am the rightful owner of these songs; I am the one who created them. They culminate my life’s work, yet he is collecting royalties.”

The singer told this newspaper that his songs exist on several streaming sites. Still, he needs help accessing the backend to ascertain the earnings because his former label boss owns the copyrights to his catalogues.

This newspaper also contacted Mr Inubile via an email provided by Durella but is still waiting to receive a response.

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Durella also clarified that the TC Record label has long ceased to exist, as he was one of the last artistes the label worked with.

In a heartfelt appeal on Instagram, Durella beseeched his fans and streaming platforms to support his quest for the unpaid royalties owed to him by TC Records.

He wrote, “I need this man to do the same video clip. It is exactly what I am going through from TC RECORDS MR D. He has been in charge of all the money I made from all the streaming platforms for over 14 years. Please, my fans, I need your help. Help me report, my fans.”

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Portable slams Saheed Osupa for removing song over copyright dispute

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Portable Saheed Osupa copyright dispute

Portable criticises Saheed Osupa for reporting his song over copyright issues, sparking a viral rant on social media

 

Controversial Nigerian singer Portable has sparked a heated dispute with veteran Fuji musician Saheed Osupa, accusing him of taking down his song from major streaming platforms over copyright infringement.

The altercation began when Osupa reportedly raised concerns over Portable using a line from one of his songs without permission, prompting the removal of the track from Spotify and Apple Music.

In a viral Instagram video posted on Wednesday, Portable lashed out at the veteran Fuji artist, expressing his frustration over the incident. “Saheed Osupa, you are big for nothing. If you can’t embrace me, I will drag you,” he declared, addressing the alleged snub and criticism from Osupa.

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The issue arose when Portable incorporated a line from Osupa’s song into his own music, which led to Osupa filing a copyright complaint.

According to reports, Osupa and his distributors objected to the use of the sample, ultimately resulting in the track’s removal from popular streaming platforms.

Portable, who is known for his unapologetic and controversial public persona, went on to compare the incident with a similar situation involving another prominent musician, Pasuma.

“The same way I used a line from your music is the same way I removed three verses from Pasuma’s song. But Pasuma never reported my song,” Portable said, indicating that Pasuma had taken a more supportive approach despite the music overlap.

In his rant, Portable also praised Pasuma, calling him a “good man” for embracing him, unlike Osupa, who he described as a “big for nothing fellow.”

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He emphasised the differences in how the two artists had responded to similar situations, contrasting Pasuma’s willingness to collaborate and support him with Osupa’s decision to challenge his use of the sampled lyrics.

Portable’s comments have since sparked widespread debate on social media, with fans and critics alike weighing in on the copyright issue and the dynamics of support within the Nigerian music industry.

While some agree with Portable’s stance, others argue that artists have the right to protect their intellectual property.

The ongoing clash between Portable and Saheed Osupa highlights the complexities of copyright law in the music industry and the challenges artists face when it comes to collaboration and permission.

It also raises questions about the role of established musicians in nurturing and supporting younger, emerging talents.

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As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the two artists will come to a resolution or whether the tension will escalate further, continuing to fuel discussions within the Nigerian music scene.

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Lady Gaga slams ageism in pop music industry at 2025 iHeartRadio music awards

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Lady Gaga ageism

At the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Lady Gaga criticised ageism in pop music, declaring that being in her late 30s should not be seen as “old” for a pop star

 

American singer Lady Gaga has strongly criticized the ageism prevalent in the pop music industry, particularly the idea that women in their late 30s are considered “old” for a pop star.

The 38-year-old superstar made this bold statement while accepting the Innovator Award at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 17, 2025.

Reflecting on her career during the award acceptance speech, Gaga expressed how difficult it was to fathom receiving an honour at the age of 38. She challenged the industry’s narrow perception of age, especially for women in the spotlight.

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“I don’t know totally how to think about this because winning an award honouring my entire career at 38 years old is a hard thing to get my head around,” Gaga said.

“The world might consider a woman in her late 30s old for a pop star, which is insane, but I promise you I’m just getting warmed up,” she added, making it clear that her journey in music was far from over.

Gaga’s comments sparked conversations about the unrealistic standards imposed on women in the music industry, especially regarding their age. Her powerful words continue to challenge the stereotypes that often limit the careers of women as they age.

In other news from the iHeartRadio Music Awards, Nigerian singers Burna Boy and Tems, who were nominated for the inaugural World Artist Of The Year award, lost out to South African artist Tyla.

Despite the loss, their nominations marked significant milestones for African music on the global stage.

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Honey Berry accuses singer Portable of threatening her life amid child custody dispute

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Portable Honey Berry child custody threat

Honey Berry accuses Portable of threatening her life in an ongoing child custody dispute, claiming her son has nothing to learn from him

 

In a dramatic turn of events, Honey Berry, the third baby mama of Nigerian singer Portable, has publicly accused the singer of threatening her life amid their ongoing child custody dispute. The controversy dates back to January 2023, when Berry initially accused Portable of neglecting their son, Akorede Badmus.

The latest outburst came on Monday when Berry took to Instagram to share a threatening message allegedly sent to her by the singer. According to Berry, Portable’s words were not only aggressive but a direct threat to her safety.

In her post, she urged the public to hold the controversial singer accountable should anything happen to her or their son.

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Berry’s statement highlighted her belief that Portable’s behaviour and lifestyle offered no positive examples for their child. “My son has nothing to learn from you,” she stated, criticising Portable for his perceived neglect and lack of responsibility.

This was a sharp response to Portable’s claims that he had not seen his son in two years but had previously sent money for his upkeep.

The singer’s alleged message to Berry included the words: “Bring my son before I make life tire you. Hope you get a lawyer. I no see my son for two years now.

I dey sent food money before, but as you no bring my son how you go collect money again. Bring my son before I say make them dey look for you.”

Firing back at Portable, Honey Berry was quick to label his message as a direct threat, stating: “You stated that you want nothing to do with me and my son. If you do not want misfortune in your life, don’t ever threaten me again.”

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Berry further warned the singer that any harm that befalls her or their son should be attributed to him. She also declared, “If you go low, I will go lower. If you bring fire to my door, I will bring hell to yours.”

Despite the tension, Berry made it clear that if Portable truly wanted a relationship with his son, he should not be selective about when he chooses to act as a father. She added:

“Even if you want a relationship with your son, you don’t pick or choose when you want to be a father. My son has nothing to learn from you. The evidence full ground.”

This public dispute between Honey Berry and Portable has raised serious concerns about the singer’s behaviour and his involvement in his child’s life. While Berry insists that her son deserves better, the custody battle is likely to continue as tensions escalate between the two.

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