When it comes to the gospel music industry, one might assume that faith and transparency go hand in hand. However, the ongoing drama between gospel singer Mercy Chinwo and her former record label, EeZee Conceptz, seems to challenge that notion. At the heart of this dispute is the alleged diversion of $345,000, a substantial sum linked to royalties from Mercy Chinwo’s musical works.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently secured a court order for the arrest of Dr. Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (also known as EeZee Tee), the CEO of EeZee Conceptz. The EFCC alleges that Onyedikachukwu diverted royalties meant for Chinwo, collecting earnings from digital platforms and events without informing the singer. Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, the EFCC’s counsel, revealed that these royalties were diverted without Mercy receiving her share.
He’s also been charged in connection to a similar case involving gospel singer JudyKay, real name Judith Kanayo. An independent audit report by Person Consulting revealed that a total of $264,000, generated from various platforms like YouTube, was allegedly withheld by EeZee Conceptz, not remitted to JudyKay. This report led to charges being filed against EeZee Tee, with the case currently before the Federal High Court of Nigeria. The charges are particularly concerning as they accuse EeZee Tee Global Concepts Limited of retaining funds that rightfully belonged to both JudyKay and Mercy Chinwo, in violation of money laundering laws.
But, as with every story, there are two sides. EeZee Conceptz claims they’ve been transparent in their dealings, citing a 50/50 revenue-sharing agreement that reportedly earned Chinwo over $625,000 during her time with the label. According to their statement, the real issue lies in Mercy’s alleged failure to deliver her contractual obligations, including a third studio album.
Gospel or Business?
The term “gospel music business” might seem like an oxymoron, but this case proves it’s anything but. Gospel or not, a record label is still a business, and contracts rule the day.
The claims from Mercy Chinwo’s camp are alarming. She accuses EeZee Conceptz of denying her exclusive rights to her royalties, manipulating her record deal, and even locking her out of her social media accounts. According to her, past hits and videos, garnering millions of streams—were moved to the label’s YouTube channel, effectively cutting her off from her creative legacy.
EeZee Conceptz, on the other hand, maintains that all funds, assets, and intellectual property tied to Mercy’s career are theirs by contract. Their statement also challenges Chinwo to provide public proof of her claims by releasing her bank statements and production records.
Accountability and the Church
When a dispute of this magnitude spills into the public domain, it’s no longer just a business issue, it becomes a moral one. Apostle Anslem Madubuko, weighing in on the matter, highlighted that the dispute began in 2022. He also hinted that EeZee Tee had been less than cooperative in resolving the matter amicably.
In a business built on faith, accountability should be paramount. Whether it’s a 50/50 agreement or something else, transparency is non-negotiable. If EeZee Conceptz truly fulfilled their part, why are these accusations even surfacing?
Who Bears the Blame?
The question remains: who bears the blame? Mercy Chinwo’s accusations paint a picture of betrayal and exploitation, while EeZee Conceptz’s defense portrays an artist unwilling to honour contractual terms. The truth lies somewhere in between, and the courts are expected to unravel the mess.
For now, who do you think is the fraud—Mercy or Eezee Tee?
Many things are happening, even with people one though serve as amiable leaders.
Issues like this is no longer within the jurisdiction of believer gathering but made public. Just as you said earlier, gospel is different from business. What’s going on is no longer a gospel matter but business matter. If it is gospel matter, what does it has to do with the EFCC?
I will say, the best Is known to the two parties and it occurs, there’s something fishy.