Chocolate City Refutes Claims Regarding CIA Funding And Its Association With UMG

The label, home to artists like BlaqBonez, Young Jonn, and M.I Abaga, responded to the allegations in a statement issued on its official X account on Tuesday.

Chocolate City characterized the claims as false and irresponsible, asserting that it has operated independently for over two decades.

The record label specifically refuted any claims of a contractual relationship or affiliation with Universal Music Group and rejected suggestions of being funded, controlled, or directed by a foreign intelligence agency.

According to Chocolate City, its growth has been founded on talent development, hard work, and legitimate commercial partnerships, rather than any external influence from government or intelligence agencies.

The company emphasized that the allegations misrepresent its ownership and business relationships, reaffirming its status as a Nigerian-owned independent music company.

This statement comes amidst broader discussions on social media regarding the ownership structures and international relationships of African music companies.

Chocolate City has remained a prominent name in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, contributing to the careers of various artists and expanding its activities across different sectors of the African creative economy.

In its response, the label stated:

“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.”

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.

— CHOCOLATE CITY MUSIC (@choccitymusic) September 15, 2026