Multiple tracks from Afrobeats singer Qing Madi’s EP Barely Legal have been removed from Spotify and other digital service providers (DSPs), intensifying a breach-of-contract dispute with her former label JTon Music that involves a court injunction and a damages claim of up to $2 million.
Contract and early career
Qing Madi, born Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma, is a 19-year-old Nigerian Afrobeats artist. She signed with JTon Music, founded by Joy Tongo, as a minor around the age of 16. According to Madi’s public statements, her mother also signed the contract because she was underage.
Under the label, Madi released tracks including Ole and American Love. JTon has stated that each surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify, citing the figures as evidence of its investment in her career.
Departure and lawsuit
Madi later exited JTon Music and launched her own imprint, KFMD, under which she released the EP Barely Legal. JTon, through Joy Tongo, filed a breach-of-contract suit following her departure. The label says the action relates to her exit and to subsequent releases made without settling outstanding contractual obligations and recouping the label’s prior investment.
The damages sought have been reported as $1 million and $2 million; Madi has publicly described it as a $2 million claim. No full court judgment, transcript, or filing from the Lagos High Court has been published in public reporting on the case.
Injunction and takedowns
A court injunction was issued in connection with the case. JTon Music states this injunction is the legal basis for copyright takedown requests it has issued against Madi’s music. The two parties offer differing accounts of the case’s status.
Madi’s earlier single Pepper Me, featuring Zinoleesky, was previously removed from streaming platforms. Madi has said her team successfully challenged that takedown as unlawful.
In late May and early June 2026, multiple tracks from Barely Legal, reportedly five of its seven songs, were removed from Spotify and other DSPs. JTon Music states the removals are lawful and based on the active court injunction.
Public statements
Speaking on a TikTok livestream and in social media posts, Madi alleged:
“The first artist you signed Cynthia Morgan cried. And now you’re doing it to a literal teenager.”
“I may be young but I’m not dumb. I wrote my songs. By myself!!!! I own my composition. I can perform all my songs. Read your contract again.”
Joy Tongo issued a press statement and posted on Instagram, reiterating JTon Music’s position that the takedowns are lawful under the injunction.
