Chocolate City react to UMG and CIA funding claims

Music powerhouse Chocolate City, in an official statement have reacted to reports of being funded by the CIA and affiliated with UMG.

Nigerian record label Chocolate City, home to BlaqBonez, Young Jonn, M.I and other artists have dismissed claims linking the company to Universal Music Group (UMG) and alleged funding or control by a foreign intelligence agency.

In a statement shared via its official X account on Tuesday, the music company described the allegations circulating online as “false and irresponsible”, while clarifying its ownership and business relationships.

The label specifically denied claims that it has a contractual relationship or affiliation with Universal Music Group.

Chocolate City also rejected allegations that it is funded or controlled by a foreign intelligence agency, amid online claims linking the company to the United States' Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

According to the label, it has operated independently for more than two decades and built its business through talent development, hard work and legitimate commercial partnerships.

The company maintained that suggestions of external control or intelligence-agency funding misrepresent the nature of its operations and business relationships.

Chocolate City's statement comes amid conversations on social media surrounding the ownership, funding and international affiliations of Nigerian music companies.

The label, which has played a prominent role in Nigeria's music industry over the years, has worked with several notable artistes and executives across the country's entertainment sector.

The statement read, "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."

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