Qing Madi Label War: Court Ruling, Spotify Takedowns Explained
The music industry keeps showing us it is not always about the music. Qing Madi‘s ongoing legal battle with former label JTON Music just got messier, and AfrobeatsGlobal is breaking it all down for you.
Qing Madi vs JTON: What Triggered This Dispute
Qing Madi, born Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma, is a 19-year-old Nigerian Afrobeats singer. She signed with JTON Music, founded by Joy Tongo, when she was just 16 years old. Furthermore, her mother also co-signed the contract because she was underage at the time.
However, after releasing hit records under JTON, including Ole and American Love, both reportedly surpassing 100 million Spotify streams, she departed the label and launched her own imprint, KFMD. As a result, JTON filed a breach-of-contract suit against her.
Qing Madi signed her JTON contracts at age 16, a point that became central to the Lagos High Court ruling in May 2026. Check out our related blog post on Qing Madi Accuses Former Label of Forgery and Sabotage.
The Court Ruling Both Sides Are Fighting Over
On 25 May 2026, Justice T.B. Sunmonu of the Lagos High Court delivered a ruling that both camps are now interpreting very differently. According to KFMD, the court held that the management contracts JTON relies on were executed when Qing Madi was 16, a minor under the Child Rights Law of Lagos State 2015. Therefore, KFMD argues the contracts are unenforceable.
On the other hand, JTON insists an interlocutory injunction was granted in its favor, restraining Qing Madi from releasing, performing, or commercially exploiting recordings developed under the label. Interestingly, the main case has not yet gone to full trial. Both sides claim the ruling supports their position.
Conflicting Claims: JTON says the court granted an injunction in its favor. KFMD says the ruling affirmed Qing Madi’s right to choose new management. The truth lies in a court document neither side has fully released publicly.
Spotify Takedowns and the Barely Legal EP
Meanwhile, the battle moved from the courtroom to streaming platforms. By June 3, 2026, five of the seven songs from Qing Madi‘s EP Barely Legal had disappeared from Spotify. Additionally, JTON allegedly sent copyright takedown notices to Spotify, Audiomack, and other platforms. Furthermore, cease-and-desist letters were reportedly sent to event organizers to prevent her from performing.
As a result, Qing Madi went live on TikTok, directly accusing Joy Tongo of financial misconduct and sabotage. She also claimed the label had previously filed a $1 million lawsuit against her, which JTON denies. AfrobeatsGlobal notes the situation is still evolving.
This case is bigger than one artist. It raises serious questions about minors signing contracts in the Nigerian music industry and who really owns the music.
What side are you on in the Qing Madi vs. JTON situation? Drop your thoughts in the comments. Share this post and follow AfrobeatsGlobal on Instagram, TikTok, and our Linktree for all the latest Nigerian music news. Read our previous blog post on Ayra Starr Makes NPR Tiny Desk Debut With Unreleased Tornado.
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