In a move that has sparked conversations across social media, Nigerian singer Balogun Afolabi Oluwaloseyi, popularly known as Seyi Vibez, has officially unfollowed his record label, Dapper Music, on Instagram. This action, which became public on Monday, signifies a potential turning point in the career of the 24-year-old artist who has enjoyed a meteoric rise in Nigeria’s music scene over the past few years.
A quick check on Seyi Vibez’s Instagram profile shows significant changes. Not only has the singer wiped his account of all previous posts, but his bio now boldly reads: “Independent artist”— a clear declaration of his current status. Curiously, despite this shift, a link to Dapper Music remains on his X (formerly Twitter) profile, leaving fans and industry insiders wondering whether this marks a definitive end or if the door is still ajar for future collaborations.
While the specifics surrounding his departure from Dapper Music are still largely speculative, rumors have surfaced suggesting that the breakup may have been spurred by recent events in Toronto. According to multiple sources, Seyi Vibez canceled a highly-anticipated show in the Canadian city at the last minute, drawing heavy criticism from fans and the Nigerian diaspora in Toronto. Though unconfirmed, some insiders believe this public backlash may have contributed to the decision to part ways with his label.
Further fueling the narrative of a split, a confidential source recently told Pulse Nigeria that Seyi Vibez has indeed severed ties with Dapper Music. Neither the artist nor the label has released an official statement regarding the situation, leaving fans to speculate about what led to the end of their partnership.
The apparent dissolution of the partnership marks the end of a fruitful relationship. Since signing with Dapper Music in 2022, Seyi Vibez has achieved significant milestones in his career. His unique blend of Afrobeat and street hop has won him an ever-growing fanbase, culminating in him winning the 2023 Headies Award for Best Street Hop Artist. By the end of 2023, he was ranked among Nigeria’s most-streamed artists, further cementing his status as one of the country’s brightest stars.
On the other hand, Dapper Music, under the leadership of CEO Damilola Akinwunmi, has become a formidable player in the Nigerian music industry, particularly in the street music genre. The label’s achievements did not go unnoticed, with Akinwunmi being named TurnTable Chart’s Executive of the Year for 2023. Together, Seyi Vibez and Dapper Music formed a powerhouse duo, propelling each other to new heights of success.
Despite his success with Dapper Music, Seyi Vibez’s decision to go independent could signal a new era in his career. Earlier this year, he launched his own label, Vibez INC, unveiling a roster of up-and-coming artists. This venture indicates that the singer may have long been preparing for life as a label owner and an independent artist.
In 2024, Seyi Vibez continued his streak of dominance with the release of his latest EP, “Loseyi Professor”, his sixth solo project since November 2022. His prolific output has been one of the hallmarks of his rise to fame, and now, as an independent artist, there is much speculation about how this newfound freedom will impact his sound and career trajectory.
For fans, the excitement is palpable. The prospect of Seyi Vibez navigating the music industry on his terms has many eagerly awaiting his next move. Will he continue to collaborate with Dapper Music in some capacity? Or is this truly the beginning of a new era for the “Professor” of Nigerian street music?
As Seyi Vibez embarks on this new chapter, the music world watches with bated breath. His ability to consistently release hit after hit has solidified his place in Nigerian music, but going independent presents its own set of challenges and opportunities. For now, one thing is clear: Seyi Vibez is ready to take control of his destiny, and fans are here for the journey. Whatever comes next, it promises to be as exciting and unpredictable as his career has been so far.
