Nigerian singer Zinoleesky and Lagos socialite Sam Larry have reacted to the controversy surrounding a leaked phone conversation between singers Lil Frosh and Zinoleesky, released by social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM).

The recording, which VDM said was made on September 17, 2023, features Lil Frosh claiming that Afrobeats singer Davido contacted him and asked him to persuade Zinoleesky to leave Marlian Records. It was released on Monday, November 9, nearly three years after the alleged conversation took place.

In the audio, Lil Frosh told Zinoleesky that Davido had messaged him and asked him to warn his fellow singer to leave the label. Zinoleesky appeared surprised by the claim and asked, “Davido called you to ask me to leave?”

VDM said he had kept the recording for a long time and described it as the reason he had repeatedly tried to reach Davido for an explanation. He also expressed disappointment over the timing of the conversation, which allegedly took place five days after the death of former Marlian Records singer Mohbad on September 12, 2023.

Zinoleesky addressed the criticism surrounding the recording in a post on X, writing: “Now the conversation has changed to why I recorded five days after the whole country said we killed someone. Okay.”

His response came as some social media users questioned why he had recorded the private conversation.

Sam Larry also joined the dispute, directing a video message at Lil Frosh and challenging him over reports that he had denied Davido asked him to approach Zinoleesky about leaving Marlian Records.

“You were told to ask Zinoleesky to leave Marlian Records for 30BG, but you came out to deny it, saying they never told you anything. Why are you scared?” Sam Larry said.

The recording has brought renewed attention to the disagreements surrounding Marlian Records following Mohbad's death.