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June 5, 2026
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Qing Madi and JTon Music: The facts of the legal battle so far

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A summary of publicly reported facts in the dispute between Afrobeats singer Qing Madi and her former label JTon Music, as of early June 2026.

Qing Madi, born Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma, is a 19-year-old Nigerian Afrobeats singer. She signed with JTon Music, founded by Joy Tongo, as a minor, reportedly around the age of 16. According to her own public statements, her mother also signed the contract because she was underage at the time.

Under JTon Music, Madi released tracks including Ole and American Love. JTon has publicly cited each as having surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify, framing the figures as evidence of its investment in her career. Madi has since exited the label and launched her own imprint, KFMD, under which she released the EP Barely Legal.

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The lawsuit

JTon Music, through Joy Tongo, filed a breach-of-contract suit against Madi following her departure from the label. According to JTon, the action relates to her exit and to subsequent releases issued without settling outstanding contractual obligations and recouping the label's prior investment. The damages sought have been reported variously as $1 million and $2 million across different outlets; Madi has publicly described it as a $2 million claim.

A court injunction was issued in connection with the case. JTon Music states this injunction is the legal basis on which it has issued copyright takedown requests against Madi's music.

The two parties give different accounts of the case's status:

  • Qing Madi states she defeated the lawsuit in court, attributing the outcome to the label's failure to produce sufficient evidence, particularly with regard to the enforceability of a contract she signed as a minor. She has referenced court appearances at which her mother was present as her guardian, and her side has pointed to a reported ruling in May 2026 as the basis for her position.
  • JTon Music / Joy Tongo states the case has not yet gone to trial, that no final ruling on the merits has been issued, and that the injunction therefore remains in force.

No full court judgement, transcript, or filing from the Lagos High Court has been published in public reporting on the case.

Music takedowns

Madi's earlier single Pepper Me, featuring Zinoleesky, was previously removed from streaming platforms. Madi has stated her team successfully challenged that takedown as unlawful.

In late May and early June 2026, multiple tracks from Barely Legal, reportedly five of its seven songs, were removed from Spotify and other streaming platforms. JTon Music states the removals are lawful and based on the active court injunction.

Qing Madi's public allegations

Speaking on a TikTok livestream and in social media posts, Madi has alleged that:

  • Joy Tongo forged her signature.
  • Tongo stole money from her.
  • The label is sabotaging her career following her departure, including through the streaming takedowns and alleged interference with sponsorship and tour arrangements.
  • Her situation parallels Tongo's previous fallout with Nigerian artist Cynthia Morgan.

JTon Music's public response

In a series of Instagram posts, Joy Tongo has stated that:

  • Madi's allegations of forgery and theft are false.
  • The lawsuit has not gone to trial and remains unresolved.
  • The takedowns are based on a valid court injunction and are intended to protect the label's contractual rights and its prior investment in Madi's career.
  • The dispute is a legal and commercial matter that should be resolved in court rather than on social media.

What is not yet public

  • No full court judgment, transcript, or filing from the case has been made available in public reporting.
  • Neither party has indicated when the case is next scheduled to be heard.
  • Spotify has not publicly commented on the takedowns.

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