Nigerian record label Chocolate City has denied claims that it is funded or controlled by the United States’ Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and that it has any affiliation with Universal Music Group (UMG).
The label, home to artists including BlaqBonez, Young Jonn and M.I, issued the statement on its official X account on Tuesday. It described the allegations circulating online as “false and irresponsible”.
Chocolate City specifically rejected claims of a contractual relationship or affiliation with UMG. It also denied allegations that it is funded or controlled by a foreign intelligence agency, following online claims linking the company to the CIA.
The label said it has operated independently for more than two decades and built its business through talent development, hard work and legitimate commercial partnerships. It added that suggestions of external control or intelligence-agency funding misrepresent the nature of its operations and business relationships.
The statement comes amid social media discussion about the ownership, funding and international affiliations of Nigerian music companies. Chocolate City has played a prominent role in Nigeria’s music industry and has worked with several notable artists and executives across the country’s entertainment sector.
Full statement#
“Our attention has been drawn to false claims circulating about Chocolate City Music. For over 20 years, we have built an independent African business through talent, hard work and legitimate commercial partnerships. Any suggestion that Chocolate City Music is funded, controlled or directed by any foreign intelligence agency or state actor is false and irresponsible. The content in question also contains a fundamental error: Chocolate City Music has never had, and does not have, any contractual relationship or affiliation with Universal Music Group. Chocolate City Music remains wholly Nigerian-owned, proudly independent, and focused on building lasting value for African creatives and the African creative industries.”
