The legal battle surrounding Qing Madi has intensified as both her former label, JTON, and her current representatives, KFMD, have issued conflicting statements regarding a Lagos court ruling. The dispute, which began with a TikTok live session, has now escalated into a full-fledged public relations war, with each side claiming victory.
Background of the Dispute
Qing Madi, the 19-year-old singer behind the recently released EP Barely Legal, went live on TikTok to address the removal of her music from Spotify. She directly accused Joy Tongo and JTON Music, her former label, of stealing from her, forging her signature, and systematically targeting her releases. She also claimed to have won a court case against the label, noting that because she was a minor at the time proceedings began, her mother had to appear in court alongside her.
JTON's Statement
JTON responded with a formal press release, framing the dispute as a commercial and contractual matter. The label denied any harassment or intimidation and pointed to an interlocutory injunction granted by the High Court of Lagos State. According to JTON, the injunction restrains Qing Madi from releasing, performing, or commercially exploiting music produced under JTON, and from entering new deals using the brand and platform developed by the label, pending the full determination of the suit. JTON also disclosed recording and distribution agreements with Sony Music and Bu Vision, which it said remain binding.
KFMD's Counter-Statement
KFMD, the label that now represents Qing Madi, issued its own counter-statement on June 5. The statement directly challenged JTON's position on several points. KFMD was unambiguous that JTON filed the suit, not the artist. Regarding the court ruling, KFMD argued that the contracts at the center of the dispute were signed when Qing Madi was 16 years old, making them infancy contracts that the court found voidable under the Child's Rights Law of Lagos State 2015. According to KFMD, the court affirmed her right to choose her own management, release music independently, and enter new agreements outside of JTON. The injunction JTON cited, KFMD said, is a narrow holding order covering only specific recordings tied to the repudiated contracts, not a finding in JTON's favor.
Additional Allegations
KFMD also raised serious additional allegations, including that JTON had sent copyright takedown notices to Spotify, Audiomack, and other platforms, asserting claims the label does not legally hold. Cease and desist notices were also dispatched to event organizers and promoters to prevent Qing Madi from performing. KFMD described these actions as misrepresentations of the court's ruling and an attempt to manufacture a prohibition that does not exist.
Current Status
Both statements are now public, and the substantive case has not yet gone to trial. The EP Barely Legal remains affected on Spotify. The public relations battle continues as both sides await the full determination of the suit.
