Nigerian singer Oludipe David, widely known as Spyro, has made shocking allegations against music executive and talent manager Ubi Franklin, accusing him of exploiting the name of Afrobeat superstar Davido to deceive him. The “Who’s Your Guy” hitmaker detailed his grievances during a candid interview on the popular podcast ‘The Link Up.’
The Alleged Incident
Spyro recounted an incident where Ubi Franklin allegedly approached him with an offer to perform at a birthday event, claiming that Davido had invited him and would pay for the performance. According to Spyro, the promise of payment was later revealed to be untrue, leaving him feeling manipulated and scammed.
“I have an issue with Ubi Franklin,” Spyro began. “Ubi just came down and said Davido said we should come perform at the birthday party that he was invited to, and he was going to give us $5,000.”
The singer revealed that he was initially skeptical about the payment arrangement. “I called him to the side and said, ‘Bro, first of all, I don’t charge $5,000. My Nigerian currency rate is at least N20 million.’” Despite his reservations, Spyro proceeded with the event, only to discover a troubling truth afterward.
A Disruptive Moment
Spyro’s concerns about the arrangement deepened upon arriving at the venue. He explained that while he was questioning Ubi Franklin about the payment, the talent manager abruptly handed him a microphone, and the MC announced his performance.
“On getting there, David was on stage,” Spyro recounted. “Ubi just came to me and said, ‘You’re going on stage now.’ Before I knew it, the MC announced, ‘Spyro!’”
The singer delivered his performance but immediately sought answers from Ubi Franklin afterward. “Right after, I said, ‘Okay Ubi, I’ve performed now. Where is the money you said David was going to give us?’”
The Shocking Revelation
Spyro’s frustration escalated when Ubi Franklin allegedly admitted that Davido was not involved in the arrangement. “He said, ‘No, don’t go and buzz David. He’s not the one, actually. Let me tell you the truth—he’s not the one that said you guys should come and do the show.’”
Realizing that Davido was unaware of the performance, Spyro expressed his disbelief and outrage. “So David doesn’t even know anything about this? You just used David’s name? This is broad daylight scam, bro!”
Broader Implications
The allegations against Ubi Franklin highlight broader concerns about unethical practices in the entertainment industry. For Spyro, the experience serves as a cautionary tale for artists, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in professional arrangements.
A Call for Professional Integrity
Spyro’s account has sparked discussions among fans and industry stakeholders, many of whom are calling for increased scrutiny of talent managers and event organizers. As artists navigate the complexities of the entertainment world, stories like Spyro’s underscore the importance of verifying agreements and advocating for fair treatment.
The alleged incident also raises questions about the misuse of influential names in the industry. While Davido remains uninvolved in the controversy, his name’s unauthorized use in the arrangement serves as a stark reminder of the potential for exploitation.
Looking Forward
As the story continues to generate buzz, Spyro’s bold decision to speak out against the alleged scam is being praised as a step toward greater accountability in the Nigerian music scene. Whether the allegations will lead to any formal action against Ubi Franklin remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Spyro’s experience has ignited a much-needed conversation about ethics and professionalism in the entertainment industry.
