Chocolate City Responds to UMG and CIA Funding Claims

Chocolate City Responds to UMG and CIA Funding Claims

Nigerian record label Chocolate City Music has responded to claims circulating online about its alleged connection to Universal Music Group (UMG) and funding or control by a foreign intelligence agency.

In a statement shared on its official X account, the label described the claims as “false and irresponsible” and clarified its ownership and business relationships.

Chocolate City specifically denied having any contractual relationship or affiliation with UMG. The company also rejected claims that it is funded, controlled or directed by a foreign intelligence agency, following online posts linking the label to the United States’ Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

According to the label, it has operated as an independent African business for more than 20 years, building its operations through talent, hard work and legitimate commercial partnerships.

The company stated:

“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.”

Chocolate City’s statement comes as discussions about ownership, funding and international business relationships within Nigeria’s music industry continue to circulate online. The label has maintained that it remains Nigerian-owned and independent.

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…

— CHOCOLATE CITY MUSIC (@choccitymusic) September 15, 2026