Why I canceled the deal when P-Square almost signed Iyanya – Ubi Franklin
Prominent music executive Ubi Franklin has revealed that the renowned music duo P-Square once expressed interest in signing Iyanya during a pivotal moment in his music career but was ultimately turned down.
During an episode of The Afrobeats podcast hosted by Adesope Olajide, Ubi Franklin recounted the incident, explaining that P-Square’s actions that day deeply affected his pride, prompting him to swear off any offers involving Iyanya.
Franklin, who heads Triple MG, recalled how he and Iyanya were invited to P-Square’s residence by their manager, Jude Okoye, for a potential record deal meeting. However, he was asked to remain outside while Iyanya, known for hits like “Kukere,” went in alone.
Despite P-Square’s request for their email address and assurances of sending the contract later, they failed to follow up. When Iyanya inquired about the lack of communication, Franklin advised him to establish their record label, believing it would garner more respect in the music industry.
Additionally, Franklin disclosed that around the same time, prominent hip-hop artist Eldee presented a more lucrative offer to Iyanya. However, despite the added benefits, they initially leaned towards signing with P-Square.
In his words;
“We got there, Jude, Paul, and Peter told me to wait outside and called Iyanya into the house. I was boiling outside. Iyanya would have gotten that deal with P-Square but the fact that they said I should wait outside, my ego was bruised.
“You know what I said to them, ‘Even if I was offered $50 million, I would reject the deal.’ Guess what Eldee’s deal was better than theirs.”
