NEWS

Court To Hear N5bn Copyright Infringement Suit Against Sinach

Published

2 weeks ago

November 27, 2024

Sinach to face court for alleged copyright infringement | fab.ng

The Federal High Court will hear a N5 billion copyright infringement suit against international gospel artist Osinachi Joseph Egbu, popularly known as Sinach. Music producer Michael Oluwole, also known as Maye, filed the case.

The proceedings, set for Wednesday, November 27, 2024, involve suit number FHC/L/CS/402/2024. The plaintiff seeks a court declaration recognising him as the author and co-owner of the song Way Maker.

He also demands N5 billion in general damages for alleged cumulative infringements of his rights.

Plaintiff’s Claims and Demands

The plaintiff requests the court to:

1. Declare that, without a written agreement, all fees from licenses or copyright assignments for Way Maker should be equitably shared between them as co-owners.

2. Determine an equitable division of fees, either equally or as deemed appropriate by the court.

3. Compel Sinach to disclose all licenses and copyright assignments related to Way Maker, account for all accrued fees, and pay his rightful share.

4. Declare that Sinach failed in her statutory duty to formalise written agreements recognising his contributions to the recording.

5. Affirm that his performer’s rights were infringed upon.

6. Issue a perpetual injunction preventing further reproduction, distribution, or public performance of Way Maker or any adaptations.

Through his lawyer, Justin Ige of Creative Legal, the plaintiff states he worked as a studio engineer on Way Maker, recording, mixing, and mastering the song.

He asserts that he created and performed several instrumental parts, including piano, strings, and synthesisers. This is without transferring his performer’s rights.

He alleges that Sinach commercially released Way Maker in December 2015, using his instrumental contributions without compensation or a formal agreement.

He claims she licensed the song without sharing proceeds and describes her conduct as deliberate and oppressive.

Sinach’s Defence

Sinach, through her counsel Emeka Etiaba (SAN) of Etiaba Chambers, denies the plaintiff’s allegations. She argues that she gained global recognition before Way Maker and asserts sole authorship of the song.

Sinach claims she composed, arranged, and performed the song with other artists, including Nwabude Chude Arinze, before Maye’s involvement.

She maintains that Maye’s role was limited to mixing the master recording, a service for which he was paid. She denies any obligation to sign a written agreement and insists he has no claim to the performer’s copyright or publishing rights.

Impact of Way Maker

Way Maker has achieved international acclaim, becoming the first Nigerian gospel song to surpass 100 million views on YouTube in March 2019.

It has won multiple awards, including the GMA Dove Award for Song of the Year. The song has been translated into over 50 languages and covered by more than 60 Christian artists, including Michael W. Smith and Bethel Music.

In 2020, Way Maker was among the most-played songs in U.S. churches and served as an anthem during a Minneapolis protest march honouring George Floyd.

The court’s ruling could set a significant precedent for intellectual property disputes in Nigeria’s music industry.

Check out more news updates here.

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MUSIC

Dapper Music Responds To Shallipopi’s Departure Allegations

Published

4 hours ago

December 12, 2024

Reporter

Dapper Music reacts to Shallipopi claims | fab.ng

Nigerian music artist Shallipopi dropped a bombshell on December 11, 2024, announcing his dramatic split from Dapper Music through a provocative Instagram press release.

The artist levelled serious accusations against the music label. He alleged fundamental breaches of trust and financial impropriety.

At the core of Shallipopi’s claims was a controversial publishing deal with Dvpper Digital. This is a subsidiary company founded by Damilola Akinwunnmi, whom Shallipopi identified as Dapper.

He asserted that the label compelled him to sign this agreement under dubious circumstances, suggesting a potential conflict of interest.

The artist’s most damning allegation centred on financial transparency. Shallipopi claimed Dapper Music withheld comprehensive financial details and coerced him into surrendering 30% of his earnings indefinitely.

These accusations painted the label as potentially exploitative and untrustworthy.

Dapper Music swiftly countered these allegations with a robust and detailed response. The label categorically rejected every claim as shocking and completely unfounded.

They emphasised their commitment to contractual clarity and artist protection, highlighting that all agreements include full legal representation to safeguard artists’ interests.

Addressing the financial transparency concerns directly, Dapper Music disclosed that they had fully cooperated with Shallipopi and his auditors.

They referenced a recent meeting on December 9, 2024, specifically convened to address the artist’s request for a comprehensive financial statement.

Regarding the 30% earnings claim, the label provided crucial context. They clarified that no perpetual earnings clause existed in Shallipopi’s contract.

Instead, the 30% figure represented a standard management fee aligned with global industry practices, which the artist reportedly accepted voluntarily.

The label concluded its statement with a defiant stance, describing the allegations as premeditated, false, and potentially motivated by external parties envious of the company’s success.

Dapper Music remained open to legal recourse, signalling its readiness to defend its reputation in a court of law.

Check out more updates here.

MUSIC

Shallipopi Confirms Split With Dapper Music, Accuses The Label Of Breach Of Trust

Published

5 hours ago

December 12, 2024

Reporter

Shallipopi Confirms Split With Dapper Music | fab.ng

Shallipopi, the hitmaking rapper whose career skyrocketed in 2022, has severed ties with Dapper Music. This is the record label that helped him achieve mainstream success.

Their partnership, which blossomed for nearly three years, has officially come to an end.

On December 11, 2024, Shallipopi publicly announced the split on his Instagram page. This announcement confirmed earlier reports that hinted at a potential rift after Shallipopi unfollowed Dapper Music’s founder and CEO, Damilola Akinwunmi.

In his heartfelt message, Shallipopi described the decision as the most difficult one he’s ever made. However, he framed it as a necessary step, a fight for all creatives who pour their heart and soul into their art.

He emphasised the lack of transparency and a broken trust as the driving forces behind his departure.

“I come to you today with a heavy heart but an unshakeable determination. I’m Crown Uzama, your Shallipopi, and l’ve made one of the toughest decisions of my career. Today, I’m officially ending my agreements with Dapper Music and Dupper Digital. This wasn’t a choice I made lightly, but it’s a step I had to take after my trust was broken, my finances mishandled, and my rights as an artist were disregarded.

“This is bigger than just me. It’s about every artist and creator who pours their soul into their work, only to face betrayal and exploitation from people who should be looking out for them. It’s about standing up for fairness, integrity, and the respect that we all deserve.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Crown Uzama (Shallipopi) (@theycallmeshallipopi)

Shallipopi has accused Dapper Music of a conflict of interest. He claims that the label pressured him into signing a publishing deal with Dvpper Digital, one of their subsidiary companies.

“Dapper Music and Entertainment Limited, my management company, pushed me into a deal with Dupper Digital Limited, another company owned by the same person(s). Instead of prioritizing my growth, they prioritized their own profits, putting my career and dreams at risk.”

Shallipopi has further accused Dapper Music of a lack of transparency regarding the management and disbursement of his earnings.

Despite repeated attempts to gain clarity on his financial situation, the chart-topping artist claims that his efforts have been unsuccessful.

“I’ve worked hard, and like anyone, I deserve to know where my money is going. Despite repeated requests, I was denied access to clear financial records of my money. Imagine not knowing how much you’ve earned or where it’s gone. This is devastating and unacceptable.”

In a serious allegation, Shallipopi has claimed that Dapper Music tried to trap him in a perpetual contract. This contract would have granted the label a 30% cut of his earnings indefinitely.

“They tried to lock me into a contract where they’d take 30% of my earnings forever, even after we parted ways. Even after they no longer work for me, they want to continue to take a whole 30% of my earnings in perpetuity. That’s not just unfair, it’s exploitation and it is cruel.”

Although Shallipopi’s and Dapper Music’s partnership has ended on a sour note, it was undoubtedly beneficial for both parties.

Shallipopi’s career soared to new heights, and Dapper Music solidified its position as a major player in the Nigerian music industry.

Check out more music updates here.

NEWS

Dele Farotimi Remains In Custody As Court Postpones Bail Hearing To December 20

Published

2 days ago

December 10, 2024

Reporter

Dele Farotimi still in custody; court postpones bail hearing | fab.ng

Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi will remain in prison custody until December 20, 2024, following a decision by Justice Abayomi Adeosun of the Ado-Ekiti Magistrate Court to adjourn his bail hearing.

Farotimi is facing 16 counts of alleged defamation against Chief Afe Babalola, a renowned legal figure.

These charges stem from claims made in Farotimi’s book, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System,” which Babalola alleges defamed his character.

Dele Farotimi pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in court last week and maintains his innocence.

A legal dispute arose during Tuesday’s hearing regarding Farotimi’s representation. Prosecuting counsel Samson Osobu objected to the appearance of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, citing a July 2024 Court of Appeal judgement that prohibits SANs from representing clients in Magistrate Courts.

However, Olumide-Fusika argued that Ekiti State’s Magistrate Court laws allow any legal practitioner to appear in criminal cases.

“The restriction cited by the prosecution does not apply in this jurisdiction,” he told the court.

Justice Adeosun postponed a decision on the prosecutor’s objection, requesting time to review the relevant judgment. In light of this, Olumide-Fusika withdrew from the case, and Barrister Taiwo Adedeji assumed the defence.

The court adjourned the bail hearing until December 20, ordering Farotimi’s continued detention in prison.

This defamation case has sparked widespread public attention and ignited debates about freedom of expression and legal restrictions on senior advocates.

Check out more news updates here.