Spyro alleges Ubi Franklin used Davido’s name to scam him of $5k

15 Jan 2025, 17:26 by Pelumi Bolawa · TheCable Lifestyle

Spyro, the Nigerian singer, has accused Ubi Franklin, the music executive, of scamming him out of a performance fee in Ghana.

In an interview on the Echoroom podcast, Spyro recalled how Franklin allegedly deceived him into performing at a birthday party in Ghana under the guise of a request from Davido.

He claimed that despite agreeing to perform for a fee of $5,000, Franklin failed to pay him after the event.

Spyro alleged that Franklin repeatedly ignored his attempts to retrieve the payment, even involving Pastor Bolaji in the matter.

The singer expressed his disappointment and frustration with Franklin’s actions, stating that “it was painful to be taken advantage of”.

“I have an issue with Ubi Franklin. He is one of those few people I respect. Until recently, he called me in the morning and said he was in Ghana for Iyanya’s birthday. I told him I would come, and we should celebrate the birthday together,” he said.

“When we got to the airport, he told me there would be some performances at the party, and I told him no. And thankfully, I had Swavey with me. I told him I do nothing outside my manager. He also tried to persuade me.

“We got there, and I met with David. I wanted to release ‘Stand By You’ at the time. So, we left David’s place and went to the apartment. I was producing a song with Iyanya, and Ubi came and said David said I should come to perform at the birthday party and that he would give us $5k. I told him the least I charged for the Nigerian amount was N20 million. Secondly, I can’t leave out my management. And because David said we were going to see later to do a promo for ‘Stand By You’.

“I told Ubi to let me get to my management and hear what they say. On getting there, David returned from the stage, and Ubi told me I was going on stage. At that point, I could not decline because there were dignitaries there. The MC also called me on stage.

“I performed. Right after, I asked Ubi for my money. He did not communicate with me till we got to Lagos. The people I performed with were also posting on social media. Ubi just kept posting me. It was becoming a mess.

“I stepped out of it and gave him a date. It was not about the money; he was taking me for a fool. He told me not to call David because he did not ask him to come and perform. He also brought Pastor Bolaji into the matter.

“To date, there has been no chat or call from Ubi. It is painful because you go all around scamming people of their money. I am saying this to protect other artistes who may fall victim to this.”

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