Michael Ikoku battles Keke Ogungbe over Kelly Hansome

By Tosin Brown

Obinna Michael Ikoku, the founder and CEO of Myke Records and Clap Music Studio, has taken a swipe at Keke Ogungbe of Kennis Music over the ownership of Kelly Hansome’s music catalogue.

Ikoku expressed his disbelief over Ogungbe’s claim of owning Kelly Hansome’s music catalogue, despite it being conceded to Kennis Music two decades ago when the artist signed a recording deal with Ogungbe’s label, while still under contract with Myke Records.

This dispute resurfaced after Ogungbe made shocking claims about the ownership of Kelly Hansome’s music on The Honest Bunch Podcast.

The battle for the ownership of Kelly Hansome’s music catalogue has reopened old wounds, raising questions about intellectual property, contracts, and the legacy of the iconic artist.

Kelly Hansome, a talented artist and music production engineer, rose to prominence in the mid-2000s. Between 2005 and 2006, Kelly was not only signed to Myke Records but also managed Clap Music Studio on Allen Avenue, Ikeja, which was owned by Ikoku. His breakout hit “Maga Don Pay” cemented his place as a household name, showcasing his lyrical depth and creative versatility.

“I didn’t fight them back then,” Ikoku revealed in an Instagram post. “Kelly was young and naive, and I let it slide because I wanted his career to flourish. But now, with all these lies, it’s time to tell the truth.”

Ikoku backed his words with evidence: a legally binding five-year contract, signed on October 16, 2005, between Myke Records and Kelly Hansome. Ikoku insists that the contract was still active when Ogungbe allegedly lured Kelly to Kennis Music.

The stakes are high, with Myke Records asserting its legal rights over Kelly Hansome’s music catalogue. Ikoku questioned Ogungbe’s narrative, particularly the claim that he discovered Kelly’s music at NV Lounge & Nightclub in Owerri, a venue linked to Myke Records.

“Who invited Ogungbe to Owerri? Who owns the club? Who owns the song?” Ikoku fired back. “How dare he claim ownership of what belongs to us?”

Due to Myke Records’ pivotal role in shaping Kelly’s career, Ikoku’s focus has shifted away from Kelly himself and firmly onto Kennis Music, which he believes must be held accountable.

While Kelly has kept his thoughts private, he hinted at his desire for the truth to come to light in a recent social media post: “The truth will always come out. I’ve been silent for too long, but the world deserves to know.”

Ikoku and Myke Records have made their intentions clear: Kennis Music will face legal action.

“We own the rights. We own the songs. And we will take every legal measure to defend our ownership,” the label declared.