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JTON Breaks Silence on Qing Madi Dispute, Says Legal Battle Is About Contractual Rights, Not Personal Attacks
The ongoing legal battle between rising Nigerian singer Qing Madi and her former management company, JTON Entertainment Limited, has taken another turn following the company’s detailed response to allegations circulating online.
The dispute, which has attracted significant attention across social media, intensified after Qing Madi’s recently released Barely Legal EP was removed from major streaming platforms shortly after its debut.
The takedown prompted strong reactions from the singer, who publicly accused her former label and its CEO, Joy Tongo, of attempting to derail her career.
In a statement released on Friday, JTON Entertainment rejected what it described as misleading narratives surrounding the case, insisting that its actions were motivated by contractual and business considerations rather than personal grievances.
According to the company, the legal proceedings were initially commenced by the artist herself, with JTON subsequently taking steps to safeguard its investments and contractual interests.
“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 further denied accusations that it had threatened, intimidated, or harassed the singer in any form, stressing that neither the company nor its representatives had authorised such conduct.
Addressing recent discussions surrounding a court ruling in the matter, the company argued that the judgment has been widely misunderstood and inaccurately represented online.
“The recent ruling of the High Court of Lagos State, Nigeria, should not be misrepresented. The Court did not hold that JTON had no case. In fact, the Court granted part of JTON’S interlocutory injunction application and restrained the artist from releasing, publishing, or performing music, recordings, or content produced, promoted, or financed under JTON and entering into new agreement or deals using the brand or professional platform developed by JTON pending the determination of the suit.
“It is important to also note that JTON Music also has a recording and distribution agreement with Sony Music and Bu Vision. These arrangements remain subject to lawful enforcement and must be respected by all parties. Where recordings fall within those arrangements, they cannot be released, distributed, or commercially exploited outside the agreed structure without the necessary 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 concluded by urging members of the public, media organisations, fans, and online commentators to avoid spreading unverified information that could influence or prejudice the ongoing legal proceedings.
As the dispute continues to unfold, both sides remain firmly entrenched in their positions, with the future of Qing Madi’s music releases and contractual status likely to be determined through the courts.
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