Nigerian media personality, Shade Ladipo has lent her voice to the conversation between singer Spyro and music executive Pauloo, with a mix of praise and sharp critique.
On January 16, 2025, Ladipo took to her Instagram stories to back Spyro, boldly asserting that his claims about the challenges within the Nigerian music industry were anything but false.
“Pauloo na my Oga, but Spyro did not tell a single lie,” she declared. “There are too many jokers in this Nigerian music scene who think that longevity equals expertise. My Egbons, it’s not by saying ‘I’ve been in the industry for 50 years.’”
Ladipo didn’t stop there. She called on Pauloo and his contemporaries to accept their wins and losses with grace, while singling out Don Jazzy and Mavin Records as rare examples of consistent excellence in identifying and nurturing talent. “Proudly take your Ls without feeling attacked,” she advised, emphasizing that sharing one’s truth isn’t an assault but a necessary conversation.
The drama stems from Spyro’s candid interview on Echoo Room, where he painted a bleak picture of his two-year stint under Pauloo’s management. Spyro detailed how he had to take a loan to promote his breakout single, “Funke,” which eventually caught Davido’s attention and led to a remix featuring Mayorkun. He also recounted moments of neglect, including being stranded at the One Africa event at Wembley and going hungry for days until a stranger came to his aid.
Pauloo quickly fired back, taking to social media to challenge Spyro’s account and share receipts to refute the singer’s claims. But Spyro stood firm, doubling down on his experiences and stirring an industry-wide conversation about the power dynamics between artists and record labels.
The clash has set social media ablaze, with fans and insiders taking sides. For many, Ladipo’s statement serves as a wake-up call to examine the inner workings of an industry that often prioritizes profit over artistry.
As the discourse continues, one thing is certain: this isn’t just about Spyro and Pauloo—it’s a broader reflection on the evolving landscape of the Nigerian music scene and the challenges that come with navigating it.
