JTON Entertainment Limited has responded to growing public discussion surrounding its ongoing legal dispute with singer Qing Madi, insisting that the matter is a contractual and commercial disagreement rather than an attempt to intimidate or silence the fast-rising artiste.
The company stated on Friday following widespread reactions to the removal of Qing Madi’s Barely Legal EP from streaming platforms shortly after its release.
The development sparked online criticism after the singer publicly accused her former label of trying to sabotage her career and interfere with her music releases.
However, JTON Entertainment said the public narrative surrounding the dispute has been misleading and does not accurately reflect the legal issues before the court.
According to the company, Qing Madi was the first party to approach the court. At the same time, JTON subsequently took legal steps to protect what it described as its investments, contractual rights, business interests, and contributions toward the development of the singer’s career.
“This 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 company stated.
JTON further denied claims that it had threatened, harassed, intimidated, or endangered the singer in any way.
The company also addressed reports surrounding a recent court ruling, arguing that the judgment has been widely misunderstood and misrepresented online.
According to JTON, the High Court of Lagos State did not dismiss its case, contrary to some reports.
Instead, the company said the court granted part of its application for an interlocutory injunction pending the determination of the substantive suit.
JTON stated that the order restrains the singer from releasing, publishing, performing, or commercially exploiting music, recordings, and content allegedly produced, financed, or promoted under its agreement with her until the legal dispute is resolved.
The company also claimed that the court order prevents the artiste from entering into new agreements using the brand and professional platform it helped build during their working relationship.
In addition, JTON disclosed that it maintains recording and distribution agreements with major industry partners, including Sony Music and Bu Vision.
According to the label, those agreements remain legally binding and must be respected by all parties involved.
“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 statement added.
The company also appealed to fans, media platforms, bloggers, and commentators to avoid spreading unverified claims that could influence public perception of the ongoing case.
The dispute became more public after Qing Madi made a series of allegations against her former label boss, Joy Tongo, during a live TikTok broadcast.
The singer accused the music executive of financial misconduct, signature forgery, and deliberately attempting to derail her career.
“She stole from me, did a bunch of weird things like forging my signature. She sued me for $2M and she lost the case. They went through the corners again to take down the project,” Qing Madi alleged during the broadcast.
The controversy intensified after songs from her Barely Legal project disappeared from streaming services due to what was described as an alleged contractual dispute.
As both sides continue to present their positions publicly, the legal battle now appears set to move forward through the courts.
For now, the case remains unresolved, with supporters of both parties closely watching developments as one of the most talked-about disputes in Nigeria’s music industry continues to unfold.
