Nigerian record label Chocolate City has responded to recent claims circulating online about its ownership, funding, and alleged links to Universal Music Group (UMG) and the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
The label, which is home to artists including BlaqBonez, Young Jonn, and M.I Abaga, addressed the allegations in a statement shared on its official X account on Tuesday.
Chocolate City described the claims as false and irresponsible, insisting that the company has operated independently for more than two decades.
The record label specifically denied having any contractual relationship or affiliation with Universal Music Group while also rejecting suggestions that its operations are funded, controlled or directed by a foreign intelligence agency.
According to Chocolate City, its growth has been built around talent development, hard work, and legitimate commercial partnerships rather than external government or intelligence-agency influence.
The company also stressed that the allegations misrepresent the nature of its ownership and business relationships, reaffirming its identity as a Nigerian-owned independent music company.
The statement comes amid wider conversations on social media about the ownership structures and international relationships of African music companies.
Chocolate City has remained one of the notable names in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, playing a role in the careers of several artistes while expanding its activities across different areas of the African creative economy.
In its response, the label said:
“Our attention has been drawn to false claims circulating about Chocolate City Music. For over 20 years, we have built an independent African business through talent, hard work and legitimate commercial partnerships. Any suggestion that Chocolate City Music is funded, controlled or directed by any foreign intelligence agency or state actor is false and irresponsible.
The content in question also contains a fundamental error: Chocolate City Music has never had, and does not have, any contractual relationship or affiliation with Universal Music Group. Chocolate City Music remains wholly Nigerian-owned, proudly independent, and focused on building lasting value for African creatives and the African creative industries.”
Our attention has been drawn to false claims circulating about Chocolate City Music.
For over 20 years, we have built an independent African business through talent, hard work and legitimate commercial partnerships.
Any suggestion that Chocolate City Music is funded, controlled or directed by any foreign intelligence agency or state actor is false and irresponsible.
The content in question also contains a fundamental error: Chocolate City Music has never had, and does not have, any contractual relationship or affiliation with Universal Music Group.
Chocolate City Music remains wholly Nigerian-owned, proudly independent, and focused on building lasting value for African creatives and the African creative industries.
— CHOCOLATE CITY MUSIC (@choccitymusic) September 15, 2026