Tag: Ubi Franklin

  • Collaboration among Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy unlikely, says Ubi Franklin

    Collaboration among Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy unlikely, says Ubi Franklin

    Music executive Ubi Franklin has said a joint project involving Afrobeats’ “Big 3” – Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy, would be difficult because of the competitive nature of their careers.

    Speaking on the Afropolitan podcast, Franklin likened their rivalry to that of Nigeria’s leading banks, noting that while they remain cordial, their top-tier status makes collaboration challenging.

    Read Also: Ubi Franklin’s exes Lilian Esoro, others unite at sister’s burial

    He, however, stressed that the tension is strictly professional, adding that he has never heard Davido speak negatively about Wizkid or Burna Boy and believes the respect is mutual.

    “It would be difficult for Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy to come together. I will speak for Davido. I have never heard him say something ill about Wizkid or Burna Boy. And I’m sure it’s the same for them. But the environment [industry] they are in will make it difficult for them to work together.

    “It’s like the rivalry between the top banks in Nigeria. In every industry, there is the big 3,” he stated.

  • Ubi Franklin’s exes Lilian Esoro, others unite at sister’s burial

    Ubi Franklin’s exes Lilian Esoro, others unite at sister’s burial

    Music executive Ubi Franklin recently laid his elder sister to rest in a ceremony attended by his ex-partners, actress Lilian Esoro and businesswoman Sandra Iheuwa, with their children and signee, Iyanya.

    Ubi shared the news of his sister’s passing on Instagram, describing her as one of the kindest souls he knew and a significant influence in his life.

    The photos from the burial ceremony showed Ubi posing for photos with his exes and children, showcasing a peaceful co-parenting relationship.

    Read Also: Ubi Franklin defends Chioma, reveals she once bought Davido 30 birthday gifts

    Ubi wrote: “Yesterday, we came together at The Family Worship Center Abuja for a special song service honoring my dear sister MRS KAYBEH EKAPONG OFEM”.

    Many online users admired the trio for maintaining maturity and respect despite their past differences.

  • Ubi Franklin reveals struggle amid loss, false accusations

    Ubi Franklin reveals struggle amid loss, false accusations

    Talent manager Ubi Franklin has opened up about his emotional struggles on social media.

    He expressed feelings of loss and sadness, citing the challenges life has thrown his way.

    According to him, his kindness and sacrifices for others often go unreciprocated, saying that false accusations take a toll on him.

    Franklin said he has reached a breaking point, but he’s taking steps to cope.

    According to him, he plans to acknowledge his emotions, seek clarity, and surround himself with support with intentions to practice self-care, set boundaries, and consider seeking help.

    Read Also: I never stole a luxury wristwatch at Davido’s Miami wedding – Ubi Franklin

    This emotional turmoil comes on the heels of a recent allegation where he was accused of owing a watch.

    He wrote, “This morning, I’m overwhelmed with feelings of loss and sadness. Life has thrown me some tough challenges, and this one hurts the most. I often wonder why my kindness isn’t reciprocated. As someone who values friendship above all, I’ve sacrificed a lot for the people I care about. But when false accusations come my way, and I’m told to brush them off, it takes a toll. I’ve reached my breaking point. Today, I’m taking steps to acknowledge my emotions, seek clarity, reflect on my values, surround myself with support, practice self-care, set boundaries, and consider seeking help”.

    Ubi’s difficult period follows the loss of his elder sister, who passed away after battling cancer.

    Ubi Franklin described her as one of the kindest souls he’s ever known and credited her with shaping his life and career.

    He expressed gratitude for their time together and the lessons she taught him.

  • I never stole a luxury wristwatch at Davido’s Miami wedding – Ubi Franklin

    I never stole a luxury wristwatch at Davido’s Miami wedding – Ubi Franklin

    Music executive Ubi Franklin has denied allegations of stealing a luxury wristwatch at Davido‘s Miami wedding. 

    In a statement, Franklin explained that a jeweller, Benny, had offered to sell him a watch but he declined due to concerns over its previous ownership. 

    According to him, Benny’s brother later delivered another watch to him during the wedding ceremony, which he claimed to have purchased and paid for in full. 

    Franklin stated that he wore the purchased watch during the event while he still held on to the previous one, maintaining that he is not a thief. 

    He added that he has never stolen from anyone in his life, attributing the controversy to misinformation and expressed appreciation for the support he received during this challenging time, as he prepares for his sister’s funeral.

    He wrote on X: “I am currently aware of the recent circulation on social media linking my name to an alleged theft. I wish to make it clear that these allegations are completely false and misleading.

    “Recently, I returned from my dear Friend/sister’s wedding and I am currently preparing for my sister’s funeral this coming weekend. It is an extremely difficult and sensitive time for me and my family, but I feel it is important to address this matter directly.

    “While in Miami, Benny met me and offered to sell me a wristwatch. After reviewing the item and confirming its previous ownership, I decided not to purchase it in order to avoid any potential complications. I clearly communicated that him.

    “During the wedding church service, Benny sent his brother with another wristwatch to me .that which I had purchased and paid in full. 
    Given the busy circumstances surrounding the wedding, I was in possession of both wristwatches and wore the one he sent to me through his brother. 

    “After the wedding, I had to leave Miami immediately to finialize my sister’s funeral coming up this weekend. While airborne, I was contacted by Benny regarding the other wristwatch. 

    “I want to state clearly: I am not a thief. I have never stolen from anyone in my life. I purchased a wristwatch and paid in full from Benny. Benny had earlier in the day debunked this news and yet it still kept spreading.
    I appreciate the calls and messages
    This is my final word on this”.

  • Davido defends Ubi Franklin’s over alleged ‘stolen’ watch at Miami wedding

    Davido defends Ubi Franklin’s over alleged ‘stolen’ watch at Miami wedding

    Grammy-nominated singer Davido has thrown his support behind talent manager Ubi Franklin, who faced allegations of stealing a luxury watch at the singer’s Miami wedding. 

    After Franklin denied the claims, Davido backed him up, saying he owes no one an explanation and labelling the rumor spreaders as “fools”. 

    He wrote, “You owe nobody any explanation… fools.”

    Davido stood by Franklin during a tough time as Franklin prepares to lay his sister to rest.

  • Ubi Franklin defends Chioma, reveals she once bought Davido 30 birthday gifts

    Ubi Franklin defends Chioma, reveals she once bought Davido 30 birthday gifts

    Music executive Ubi Franklin has defended Chioma after an X user questioned her generosity toward her husband, Davido.

    The user claimed Davido frequently buys gifts for Chioma and asked what she had ever bought for him in return.

    Read Also: Chioma stood by me in my darkest moment – Ubi Franklin praises Davido’s wife

    Responding, Franklin said Chioma does spend money on Davido but chooses not to publicise it on social media. He recounted that she once bought Davido 30 gifts to mark his 30th birthday, describing her as a thoughtful and generous partner whose gestures don’t need public validation.

    He questioned why people seemed to be keeping score, stating that the couple’s relationship shouldn’t be reduced to a competition.

    “Chioma spends on David, too, y’all want everything on social media, so it looks like it is a competition. I remember David’s Birthday 2 years ago, I think when he turned 30, Chioma bought David 30 gifts for his 30th Birthday. That it is not shown doesn’t mean it is not done”, he wrote.

  • Why I include ‘no-pregnancy’ clause in female artist contracts – Ubi Franklin

    Why I include ‘no-pregnancy’ clause in female artist contracts – Ubi Franklin

    Music executive Ubi Franklin has stated he includes a contract clause for female artists, prohibiting them from getting pregnant during the agreement period.

    Speaking on the Culture Sonic podcast, Franklin said the entertainment industry requires significant investment to develop an artist, and pregnancy can disrupt progress and jeopardise returns.

    While he doesn’t oppose women having children, Franklin said they should establish a strong career first.

    Franklin emphasised that the music industry is a serious business, distinct from social media entertainment, and that female artists face challenges regaining momentum after childbirth if their career isn’t already established.

    Read Also: Ubi Franklin mourns sister’s death, pays tribute to her life, lasting impact

    He said: “So just imagine that you have an artist who you are investing in as a woman and she gets pregnant.. That’s over. It will take a lot for the artists to come back. Tell me any, any female artists in our industry who have had a baby, who had not built a proper career and then went to have a baby and came back. I’m not saying they cannot have children, but the thing is, while you have it, build a strong career. Just imagine that you invest money in a female artiste, you’re pushing the artiste, you’re pushing to a certain level.

    “If I’m signing a female artiste, I always put it on a contract that for the duration of a contract, you will not get pregnant. If you’re watching me, this is a freaking business we should stop making it look like because you see artistes playing and everything on social media you can interact with artistes this is a freaking business. Right now to break an artist, with 150 million, you’ve not even started. Sometimes you can spend N300 million on an artist and get nothing in return.”

  • Promiscuity a major challenge for famous artists — Ubi Franklin

    Promiscuity a major challenge for famous artists — Ubi Franklin

    Talent manager Ubi Franklin has highlighted promiscuity as a major challenge that artists often face after achieving fame.

    Speaking on a recent episode of the Culture Sonic Podcast, Franklin noted that both male and female artists struggle with this issue, which he said can make them increasingly difficult to manage.

    He explained that artists are usually more disciplined and easier to guide before they become successful. However, once they have a hit song, the influence of fame often leads to womanising and other distractions.

    Read Also: Ubi Franklin mourns sister’s death, pays tribute to her life, lasting impact

    According to Franklin, the sudden exposure and freedom that come with stardom can cause artists to prioritise personal indulgences over their professional responsibilities.

    “The only artist that can be controlled is the one that has not had a hit. Once they have a hit, the first biggest problem for artists is women. For female singers, it’s men as well,” he claimed.

  • Ubi Franklin mourns sister’s death, pays tribute to her life, lasting impact

    Ubi Franklin mourns sister’s death, pays tribute to her life, lasting impact

    Talent manager Ubi Franklin is grieving the loss of his beloved sister, who passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

    In an emotional Instagram post, Franklin shared the heartbreaking news, describing her as one of the kindest and most selfless individuals he has ever known.

    He credited her with shaping his life, especially after the death of their father in 2004, when she took him in and stood by him through life’s toughest moments.

    A defining moment, he recalled, was when his sister brought him to Lagos in 2005 — a move that marked the beginning of his journey into the entertainment industry. She lovingly referred to him as her “assistant,” a title she continued to use until her final days.

    Franklin shared that he spent cherished time with his sister from April through early July, parting ways on July 3 before travelling to England, not knowing it would be their final goodbye.

    Though heartbroken, Franklin expressed deep gratitude for the bond they shared and the profound influence she had on his personal and professional growth. He described her as his “backbone,” “rock,” and “biggest cheerleader.”

    Read Also: Kaffy: I set standards for Nigerian dancers

    “Today death visited me and took one of the most precious gifts life ever handed to me — my sister,” Franklin wrote. “The one who birthed the Ubi Franklin you all know today. The one who opened my eyes to what life truly is. One of the kindest souls I’ve ever known, and I am blessed to call her my sister.”

    “Cancer why? I still remember vividly how it all began. In 2004, while I was a law student at Madonna University, my dad passed, and as one of the youngest, I had to go stay with my sister and her husband in Abuja. During one of my holidays in December 2005, she took me to Lagos to visit my elder brother, and from that moment, I never looked back. That trip changed everything. It was the beginning of my journey and the beginning of Ubi Franklin. That was where my career started. I became my brother’s PA, but she always reminded me, “Before anyone else, you were my PA.” And she never stopped calling me that. Even till her last days. From April through May, June, and into July, I was blessed to spend time with her. On July 3rd, before embarking on my trip to England, I went to her room to bid her farewell with the promise that I would see her upon my return and that she would be waiting for me in Lagos. But on the 6th of July, she decided to return from Lagos to Abuja to spend time with her family since she had been away for too long.

    “Man plans, but God disposes. Yesterday, I got a call from my siblings. She had been moved to the ICU. I did everything within my power to make it to Abuja. But while I was airborne, in the early hours of today, she passed on.

    “This is one of the biggest losses of my life. When I landed in Abuja at 4:20 am, she had already passed, but it was hidden from me till 4 pm today.

    Yet, through the pain, I am thankful. Thankful that I got to know her, to walk with her, to be shaped by her. Thankfully that I was blessed with such a soul as my sister — my backbone, my rock, my biggest cheerleader.

    “And today, as I watched people pour in, all testifying to how kind, selfless, and good she was… I know I am not alone in my grief.

    “This hurts deeply. It has left a scar in my heart. But I will forever love you. And I know… you’re in a better place”.

  • Spyro, Ubi Franklin bicker over alleged $5,000 fraud

    Spyro, Ubi Franklin bicker over alleged $5,000 fraud

    Singer Spyro has alleged music executive Ubi Franklin used Davido’s name to scam him.

    In an interview on Echoo Room podcast, Spyro claimed Ubi Franklin approached him to perform at an event, claiming Davido had invited him and would get $5,000.

    However, Spyro clarified Davido had no knowledge of the arrangement.

    He said: “I have an issue with Ubi Franklin. Ubi was one of the people I ‘respected’. Ubi just came down and said David said we should come perform at the birthday party that he was invited to that he was going to give us 5k. I called him to the side and said ‘bro first of all, I don’t charge 5k.’ My Nigerian currency wey I dey charge, the least I would do is N20 million.

    “On getting there, David was on stage, he came back from the stage and Ubi just came to me, he said ‘you’re going on the stage now’ before you know it, MC don announce, Spyro! And right after, I said okay Ubi, shebi you don sha make me, I don perform now, where my money wey you say David say him go give us?

    “He said ‘no don’t go and buzz David o, he’s not the one actually, let me tell you the truth, he’s not the one that said you guys should come and do the show’. I was like are you kidding me? So David doesn’t even know anything about this, so you just used David’s name, this is broad daylight scam bro!”

    But Ubi Franklin denied the allegations, dismissing them as misinformation aimed at damaging his reputation.

    Read Also: Surround yourself with like-minded people, Regina Daniels urges fans

    He countered Spyro owes him N10.5 million, being 10% of the cost of a car he helped Spyro purchase.

    Ubi Franklin demanded that Spyro pays the owed commission and offered to settle the debt by offsetting the $5,000 he’s holding.

    He said: “I will not allow anyone to destroy my name. And please, it’s time you all stop trying to use David’s name to make your story sweet or get people to pay attention to your story.

    “Why would I tell David’s friend who is a growing artiste that David said when I know you have direct links to him? How does this make sense?

    “I don’t even understand this at all and gullible people will believe ( I have never used David to take anything from anyone ) you want to use me to start your PR for the year, it’s not me cos a lot is at stake and I won’t let you do that.

    “Pay me my 10% from the car I helped you buy and told you to pay me my 10% you said I should wait till you finish paying. I know you have finished paying since December. Kindly credit me the balance cos I have 5k dollars meant for you and you have N10.5m meant for me. If we do plus and minus, you owe me N2.5million cos 5k Dollars is 8m.”