Nigeria: Runtown launches SoundGod label

Formerly signed to Eric Many label, Runtown has become the latest Nigerian act to set out independently after a stint under a record label, joining such acts as Olamide, Lil Kesh and Orezi.

Born Douglas Jack Agu, Runtown released his debut album Ghetto University in 2015. After releasing several singles with modest success, Runtown saw his success as a pop act consolidated with the release of the 2016 single ‘Mad Over You’, which received heavy airplay across the continent. The video has been viewed more than 68 million times on YouTube. His follow-up single ‘For Life’ was also popular and has been viewed over 27 million times. Both songs were released on the Eric Many label.

Runtown’s new move, however, comes after a long-running disagreement between the artist and his former label. Only recently, Eric Many claimed unfulfilled terms on the part of the artist.

“We therefore decided to sue him for comprehensive breach of contract, to the sum of N266 694 755 [$740 000],” reads a statement from the artist's former label.

“While our contract is supposed to fall due for expiration on 22 June 2018, Eric Many now has an outstanding balance of about N266 694 755.08 to recoup on our investment and expenses on Runtown’s career. He is also yet to deliver an album which the contract requires him to deliver to us during the contract period. The contract spells out the procedure for the production of the album. Runtown is yet to initiate the [procedure.]”

Nonetheless, Runtown appears to be moving on without a mention of the dispute. “Over time, we have been blessed with the talent and wisdom to apply it to use,” he said. “It’s time we take it a step higher, and carry the sound and the message to where it belongs; the top.”

For an apparently unrelated reason, the release of his first single under SoundGod, ‘Unleashed’, has been delayed.

Runtown also announced a charity, We Are New Africa (WANA), which he says will “benefit everyone who is ready to take control of their destiny by building infrastructure for the less privileged in local communities, and also the provision of training schemes, and tools for learning. Intended beneficiaries include students, orphans and the physically challenged and many others.”