Nigerian singer Spyro has accused music executive Ubi Franklin of scamming him $5,000 following a performance at a birthday party in Ghana.
In an interview on the Echoroom podcast, Spyro shared details of the incident, explaining how Franklin misled him into performing at the event under the pretense that it was a request from Nigerian superstar Davido.
According to Spyro, Franklin initially approached him about attending Iyanya’s birthday celebration in Ghana, promising a $5,000 payment for the performance. Despite his reservations, Spyro agreed to the performance when Franklin assured him that Davido had requested his appearance. Spyro emphasized that he had made it clear to Franklin that he would only proceed with his management’s involvement, saying, “I told him I don’t do anything outside my manager. He also tried to persuade me.”
Upon arriving at the event, Spyro met Davido but was soon informed by Franklin that he was expected to perform. Spyro reluctantly agreed, but after the performance, he sought the promised payment, only to be met with silence from Franklin. “After the performance, I asked Ubi for my money. He didn’t talk to me until we got to Lagos. Ubi just kept ignoring me. It was becoming a mess. He was taking me for a fool,” Spyro recounted.
The singer further explained that Franklin later denied Davido’s involvement in the performance, stating, “He told me not to call Davido because he didn’t ask him to have me perform.” To complicate matters, Franklin allegedly involved Pastor Bolaji in the situation, leaving Spyro feeling betrayed.
Expressing his frustration, Spyro said, “It’s painful because he goes around scamming people of their money. I’m saying this to protect other artists who may fall victim to this.” He emphasized the importance of sharing his experience to prevent other artists from falling victim to similar scams.
