Nigerian singer, Oludipe Oluwasanmi David, better known as Spyro and talent manager, Paulo Okoye have traded words on social media over the latter’s latest podcast interview.
Spyro has been trending across social media over the information he spilled on an interview with Echo Room.
Spyro shared his struggles during his time with Paulo Okoye’s record label, revealing that he had to take out a loan to support himself as he earned nothing from the deal.
According to Spyro, Paulo was aware of his financial challenges but failed to address them, attributing it to his lack of expertise in managing a record label. Despite this, Spyro acknowledged Paulo’s kindness and praised his prowess in show business, though he noted that running a record label wasn’t his strong suit.
“I didn’t make anything from the label, and Paulo knew my plight but did nothing about it. While he’s great in showbiz, running a label is not his forte.”
In response to Spyro’s allegations, Paulo Okoye addressed the claims via his Instagram story, where he shared documents to support his position. Okoye revealed that he invested over ₦12 million in the singer without earning a single kobo in return.
In a series of posts, Paulo Okoye questioned Spyro’s narrative, expressing disbelief at the accusations and challenging the claims made against him.
Despite this, Spyro maintained his stance, clarifying that his remarks were not intended to tarnish Paulo’s character. He stated:
“I didn’t lie, Oga Paulo. Your receipts even validate my point. I vividly recall being stranded after One Africa at Wembley because my hotel booking was only for one day. I spent hours in the cold before someone arranged an Airbnb for me. I went days without food until a kind lady helped me out.”
The self-proclaimed Jesus Boy highlighted broader challenges within the music industry, specifically the mistreatment of upcoming artists by record label staff. He shared how he faced disrespect and struggled with an inferiority complex during his time with the label. Reflecting on his experience, he lamented:
“One day, a staff member spoke to me like I didn’t exist. Although Paulo handled the matter well, he was rarely in the country, so I faced a lot alone. As a graduate of the University of Ibadan, it was disheartening to be treated like a commodity.”
Despite their differences, Spyro expressed gratitude to Paulo Okoye for the role he played in helping him gain exposure in the music industry. He acknowledged the success of their recent tour together and stressed that there is no animosity between them. He concluded:
“All love, Baba. I appreciate you for putting me on. This was part of the process that shaped me into the Spyro I am today.”
Financial Journey
In 2023, Spyro shared his remarkable financial journey, revealing that he began the year with less than ₦10,000 in his account. Since then, he has achieved extraordinary success, including purchasing cars and multiple homes for himself and his family.
In a heartfelt post, Spyro celebrated his mother’s birthday, reflecting on how her struggles inspired him to push harder and achieve greatness.
Last year, Spyro also offered valuable advice to upcoming artists. He cautioned them against relying solely on signing with major labels or artists, emphasizing that success requires talent, diligence, and hard work. The “Who Is Your Guy” singer urged them to abandon unrealistic expectations, stop waiting for labels or external help, and focus on investing in themselves to build a sustainable career.