Artist claims Tinny Entertainment withheld earnings, citing unrecouped investment; fans express shock over financial revelations

Popular Lagos-based rapper YCee has revealed that he has never received any royalty payments from his hit songs, despite surpassing 100 million streams globally while signed to Tinny Entertainment. The disclosure came during an appearance on the Afropolitan Podcast on Tuesday, where the artist detailed the circumstances surrounding his contract and earnings.

YCee, whose real name is Oludemilade Martin Alejo, explained that his agreement with Tinny Entertainment was structured as a 70/30 split in favour of the label. According to him, management insisted it had not recouped its initial investment in his career, resulting in no royalty cheques being issued for his most successful tracks. “The mega hits and hundreds of millions of streams that I have had, I didn’t get any money off them. I was signed to Tinny Entertainment… it was a situation where I wasn’t being remitted off the earning because at the time, my previous employer felt he hasn’t recouped what he invested,” YCee said on the podcast.

The rapper described how, even as songs like ‘Jagaban’, ‘Omo Alhaji’ and ‘Juice’ featuring Maleek Berry propelled him into stardom from 2015 onward, financial returns did not match public perception. “At that time, the songs were going crazy, endorsements, and I was travelling the world, and it was looking good from the outside looking in, but it wasn’t making sense to me in other areas,” YCee stated. The situation persisted throughout his tenure with Tinny Entertainment before their eventual split.

Fans have expressed surprise following these revelations, especially considering YCee’s prominence during the period when Afrobeats began its global export surge. Industry observers note that issues around contract transparency and royalty payments remain a source of contention in Nigeria’s fast-evolving music sector.

After leaving Tinny Entertainment, YCee attempted to adapt to a music industry increasingly shaped by streaming platforms and international attention. He later went on hiatus following health challenges in 2020 but recently returned with a new album titled ‘Out of Sight – Out of Mind – Volume 1’, a 14-track project that highlights both his rapping and singing abilities.

As at press time, Tinny Entertainment had not issued an official response to YCee’s claims. Music industry stakeholders continue to call for greater accountability and fairer compensation structures for Nigerian artists as digital revenues grow.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/rapper-ycee-reveals-he-has-never-received-royalties-despite-having-over-100m-streams-2026062509044283564

Victims held for three months freed during routine patrol; military recovers arms and motorcycles in fresh operations

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) rescued three female kidnap victims during a military operation at Bagega, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on Saturday, 22 June 2026. The rescue comes amid ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist camps and improve security across North-West Nigeria.

According to a statement released by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force Northwest OPFY, the three women were freed after troops on routine offensive patrol encountered the victims abandoned by their abductors. The kidnappers reportedly fled the area due to increased military pressure.

The rescued victims were identified as Zainab Muhammadu, 28, from Gara Zaima Village in Bukkuyum Local Government Area, Zamfara State; Hafsat Ibrahim, 20; and Halira Usman, 17—both from Mashiga/Taka Lafiya Village in Zuru Local Government Area, Kebbi State. All three had spent approximately three months in captivity before their release.

Military authorities disclosed that the operation also led to the recovery of a high-calibre weapon, ammunition, motorcycles used by the kidnappers, military uniforms, and other operational items. “The rescued victims were immediately evacuated for comprehensive medical evaluation and appropriate care,” Lieutenant Colonel Danja said in the statement issued to journalists in Gusau, Zamfara State capital.

The rescue is part of intensified measures by security agencies to tackle banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara and neighbouring states. Security sources maintain that continued operations will target remaining criminal hideouts in both Zamfara and Sokoto States. As at press time, there was no immediate comment from state government officials or opposition parties regarding the incident.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/opfy-troops-rescue-3-female-kidnapped-victims/

Broos addresses critics following Bafana Bafana’s progression; says team focus remains on next round in Ivory Coast

South Africa’s national football coach, Hugo Broos, has responded to criticism of his team’s tactics after guiding Bafana Bafana into the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. The Belgian tactician spoke out on Thursday after South Africa secured their place in the next phase of the continental tournament.

The team’s qualification came amid concerns from fans and analysts who questioned Broos’ selection choices and playing style during the group matches. South Africa’s performance drew mixed reactions, especially after a goalless draw against Tunisia that sealed their progress. Despite this, Broos insisted his approach was justified by results, stating that securing passage to the next round was always the priority.

South Africa’s advance to the knockouts marks a significant achievement for the squad, considering their inconsistent form in recent international competitions. Many supporters had expressed doubts about Bafana Bafana’s chances before the tournament began. The latest result has reignited debate over whether Broos’ pragmatic style is effective enough for South Africa to challenge for a title or if it limits the team’s attacking potential.

Addressing questions at a post-match press briefing in Abidjan, Broos maintained that critics were ignoring the team’s main objective. “We are not here to play beautiful football and go home early. The most important thing is to qualify, and we have done that,” he said. He added that every decision was made with qualification in mind and urged fans to support the squad as they prepare for tougher opposition ahead.

With South Africa set to face a yet-to-be-determined opponent in the next round, Broos said preparations would focus on maintaining defensive solidity while looking for opportunities to improve going forward. The South African Football Association said it was satisfied with progress so far but expected further improvement as the competition enters its decisive stages.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/890596-south-africa-coach-hugo-broos-fires-back-at-critics-after-knockout-qualification.html