Ubi Franklin, a Nigerian music executive, explained why he cancelled Psquare’s deal to sign Iyanya, a singer.
In an interview with the Afrobeats podcast, Franklin revealed that Psquare (Paul and Peter Okoye) had indicated interest in signing Iyanya at one time in his career.
He declined to proceed with the deal after being ordered to wait outside during a meeting.
Franklin said the statement “bruised my ego,” and he promised to refuse even a $50 million deal if it meant being treated disrespectfully.
“We got to their house, Paul, Peter and their manager, Jude Okoye, asked me to wait outside and went in with Iyanya,” he said.
“I was boiling outside. Iyanya would have gotten that deal with Psquare but the fact that they said I should wait outside bruised my ego.
“I said to them, ‘you know what, even if I was offered $50 million, I would reject the deal.’ Guess what, Eldee’s deal was actually better than theirs.”
Franklin and Iyanya co-own the record company Made Men Music Group (MMMG).
Iyanya departed MMMG in 2016 following a disagreement with Franklin.
They reconnected in 2021. With several honors and acclaim, the duo has established themselves as household names in Nigeria’s music business.
