Music executive and Triple MG boss Ubi Franklin has stood by his controversial policy of forbidding female artists under his label from becoming pregnant during their contract period.
In a move that continues to ignite conversation across the Nigerian entertainment industry, the revelation, made on a recent episode of the Culture Sonic Podcast, spotlights the often-unseen pressures and politics behind artist management in Afrobeats.
“It’s purely business,” Franklin declared. “When I sign a female artist, I include a clause that pregnancy is not allowed during the contract term. We invest millions into building their brand.”
Behind the Ban: Business or Bias?
Franklin argues that the no-pregnancy clause is a strategic move to protect hefty investments. From voice coaching to video shoots, the process of launching a female star is both resource-heavy and time-sensitive, he insists. A sudden pregnancy, he says, disrupts not just performances but the entire rollout plan.
But his approach doesn’t stop at pregnancy. Franklin paints a broader picture of the pitfalls artists face after fame finds them. In his words, “Promiscuity is the first issue that arises after an artist becomes famous—men start chasing women, and women become more susceptible to distractions.” He describes this shift as a managerial nightmare, claiming artists often lose focus once they blow up.
The Backlash: Autonomy vs. Industry Realities
Not everyone buys into Franklin’s narrative.
Critics have labeled the clause sexist and controlling, arguing that it imposes a moral expectation on female artists that’s not equally enforced on their male counterparts. Others have gone further, calling it a subtle form of reproductive policing that sacrifices personal rights on the altar of commercial gain.
On the flip side, some music insiders agree with Franklin, saying that labels deserve some form of protection after investing millions in artists who may, for personal reasons, suddenly halt their careers.
Clearing the Air on Old Controversies
This isn’t Franklin’s first time at the center of heated speculation. Years ago, rumors swirled about him fathering a child with BBNaija alum TBoss. But Franklin firmly denied the allegations in a viral 2019 interview with Daddy Freeze, saying: “I never asked TBoss out. I never did anything with her. I’m not responsible for her pregnancy.”
TBoss herself corroborated this, telling fans that nothing ever happened between them—romantic or otherwise.
A Moral Mission or Micromanagement?
Franklin didn’t mince words when discussing what he sees as a growing trend in the entertainment space: female celebrities unknowingly dating the same wealthy married men, often for clout or access.
“Many don’t even know these men are married,” he claimed. “They’re just looking for the lifestyle, and that kind of pressure kills discipline.”
His solution? More education, more boundaries, and contracts that set expectations from day one.
Industry Insight or Invasion of Privacy?
| Aspect | Franklin’s Position |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy Clause | Business safeguard against career disruption |
| Moral Discipline | Fame leads to distractions and poor decisions |
| Public Debate | Balancing personal rights with industry demands |
| TBoss Rumors | Denied all involvement or intimacy |
| Female Celebs & Married Men | A warning to young talents to verify who they’re dating |
