Nigerian singer May D, whose real name is Akinmayokun Awodumila, has pulled back the curtain on his tumultuous experience with Square Records, owned by the iconic duo P-Square.
For May D, what appeared to fans as a glitzy association was a chapter marked by hardship, unfulfilled promises, and stifled growth.
In a candid revelation, May D recounted an eye-opening incident with Afrobeats superstar Davido. During a visit to P-Square’s mansion, Davido sought temporary lodging in May D’s quarters. However, upon seeing the cramped space, Davido exclaimed, “May D, is this where you stay? I can’t sleep here oh.”
The room, shared with P-Square’s driver and cook, was starkly at odds with the grandeur of the mansion, where numerous vacant rooms lay unused. This moment not only exposed the substandard conditions May D endured but also highlighted the lack of support he received as an artist under the label.
Financial woes compounded his struggles. May D revealed that he didn’t even have a bank account during his time with Square Records. “It’s only when someone has money that he opens an account,” he explained, pointing to the lack of personal income and unpaid contributions. These contributions were far from trivial—he had writing and vocal credits on P-Square’s Invasion album, yet his efforts went unrecognized financially.
Perhaps the most painful revelation was the alleged obstruction of a life-changing opportunity. May D claimed that Akon, the global music icon, expressed interest in signing him to Konvict Music.
When he shared this with P-Square, the duo reportedly intervened, preventing the deal from coming to fruition. This, according to May D, was a pivotal moment that could have altered the trajectory of his career.
Despite these setbacks, May D’s departure from Square Records in 2012 became a defining moment. Free from the constraints of the label, he found financial stability and began to rebuild his career on his terms. His story serves as a stark reminder of the complexities behind the scenes of the music industry and the challenges artists face in navigating fame, loyalty, and self-advancement.
Today, May D’s journey stands as both a cautionary tale and a testament to resilience, shedding light on the critical importance of fair artist management and personal empowerment in the entertainment world.
