Liberian recording artist Spize has officially ended his professional relationship with Lib Muzik, with both sides agreeing to move forward separately, bringing to a close a partnership that once dominated headlines within the local music industry.
The singer confirmed the development through a statement posted on his official Facebook page, where he expressed gratitude for the journey and announced the start of a new chapter as an independent artist.
Spize signed with Lib Muzik in March 2024 under what was widely described as a landmark deal valued at over L$20 million, ranking among the label’s biggest signings at the time. The announcement generated massive attention across social media and the entertainment space, instantly elevating Spize’s profile nationwide. While under the label, he released four songs, expanded his fan base beyond Liberia, and made notable trips to Nigeria, where he appeared on major radio and television platforms for high-profile interviews.
However, following the split, critics and close observers of the artist have begun offering their own explanations for why the partnership eventually collapsed.
According to individuals who say they were closely involved from the beginning, Lib Muzik boss AI Johnson first encountered Spize online after his debut single “Melo” began trending. They claim Johnson traveled to Liberia that same week with his A&R, James Smith, and finalized plans to sign the young artist almost immediately.
The signing ceremony, held at the RLJ Hotel, was publicly framed as a L$20 million deal, an amount critics argue was announced primarily for publicity and rapid attention. They allege that the signing process was rushed, with Spize, his family, and those present not fully briefed on the contract terms before the documents were signed.
Critics further claim that during the ceremony, the label promised Spize a car, a house, and a signing bonus, commitments they say were never fulfilled. Nearly two years later, they argue that Spize does not own a vehicle or property, and that individuals close to him often struggled to cover costs for music videos, clothing, and branding.
While Lib Muzik reportedly paid for the “Melo” music video, two trips to Nigeria, and a project recorded there, critics insist the artist faced significant challenges behind the scenes. Some DJs allegedly stopped promoting Spize after assuming the announced signing fee was real and expecting financial incentives in return.
There were also controversies surrounding public representations by the label. During the signing period, a vehicle was presented publicly as being purchased for Spize. Critics claim the car was never fully paid for, later causing disputes with its owner. Around the same time, a similar signing attempt involving another artist, SIO, reportedly failed after objections were raised by the artist’s family.
Sources describe Spize as reserved and patient, choosing to endure the situation rather than confront it publicly. This reportedly contributed to a period of silence during which he released no new music for nearly six months.
Additional claims include unpaid service providers during the artist’s Nigeria trips, as well as growing tensions when individuals advocating strongly for Spize became increasingly involved. Critics say this led the label to distance the artist from certain supporters and reorganize his management team.
Perhaps the most serious allegation involves accommodation arrangements. Critics claim that instead of renting an affordable apartment, the label insisted on housing Spize and parts of his team in hotel apartments to maintain a flashy public image. Over time, unpaid hotel bills reportedly accumulated, leading to police involvement. The incident, they say, was quietly resolved and kept away from the media, with James Smith allegedly leaving his U.S. passport as collateral to secure their release.
Critics argue that the funds used to later settle the hotel debt could have been invested in securing stable housing or purchasing a vehicle for the artist. They also point to alleged messages suggesting that Spize had advised the label on financial decisions that were ignored.
Despite these alleged challenges, Spize remained publicly silent and continued to maintain the relationship until its eventual end. Observers say his exit highlights a broader issue within the Liberian music industry, where emerging artists may enter agreements they do not fully understand, driven by visibility rather than long-term sustainability.
As of publication, Lib Muzik has not issued a detailed response addressing the specific claims raised by critics. Spize, meanwhile, has chosen to move forward independently, signaling a reset in his career after a highly publicized but controversial chapter.
