DON JAZZY Officially “SACKED” Wande Coal from Mavin

Less than two years after D’banj and Don Jazzy fell apart, Mavin Records has issued a statement saying it has officially parted ways with one of its signees, Wande Coal. This comes three days after two versions of a new song by the latter titled Baby Face emerged at the centre of a brewing altercation between the Afro pop singer and his erstwhile boss, Don Jazzy.

Marvin was formed following the collapse of the Mo’Hits musical empire where Don Jazzy, D’Banj, Wande Coal and some other top artistes reigned.

The statement from Marvin reads, “It is with deep regret that we officially announce the departure of recording artist Wande Ojosipe, popularly known as Wande Coal, from Mavin Records due to irreconcilable differences.

“Over the past few months, Mavin Records has made a concerted move to consolidate its position in the Nigerian music industry. Wande’s vision has not aligned with ours and a few months ago all parties mutually agreed that a separation would be the best course of action.”

The statement also adds that although both parties enjoyed ‘a remarkable run in the course of their working relationship, conflicting priorities have contributed to the premature termination of the hitherto fruitful accord.

“Legal parties on both sides have spent the past six months trying to reach an amicable solution in terms of musical property rights. However, Wande Coal’s decision to release ‘Baby Face’ purportedly as his own material is a direct breach of intellectual property law and has compelled an immediate clarification on our part,” Mavin declares.

When contacted, Wande Coal’s manager, Nana Abey, said his artiste was not willing to make any comments for now. He said, “he was preparing to travel to Port-Harcourt, Ghana and London, in the coming days for a series of engagements.”

Although there had been ‘hush hush’ reports over the relationship between both parties in the last few months, many felt it was only a rumour after they both featured in a video titled, The Kick.

Wande Coal’s relationship with Don Jazzy dates back to 2006 when he got signed on to the now defunct Mo’ Hits Records. He announced his arrival into the Nigerian music scene ‘big time’ after he featured on several songs in D’banj’s Rundown/Funk you up album. Some of the tracks which bore his signature ‘baby’ voice include “Loke”, “Tonosibe” and “Why Me”.

At the peak of the crisis that befell the erstwhile Mo’hits group, it was believed that Wande Coal was initially pitching tents with Dbanj.

This could be deduced from some of his tweets and statements at the time. However, this was not to eventually be the case as the singer got signed on to Mavin Records alongside Dr SID, D’Prince and Tiwa Savage.

But just when many felt he was at peace with his label boss, he stunned fans with the release of his own record label Black Diamond Entertainment in July 2013.  It is also interesting to note that the 28 year-old singer has just one album , Mushin 2 Mo’hits, released in 2008, to show for his seven year stay with Mohits and later, Mavin Records.

 Arguments over intellectual theft is common place in the Nigerian entertainment scene. Among others, 2face and Blackface as well as P Square and Stephnora Okere have fought over ownership of some songs.