Asa dragged to court over copyright infringement

Musician Asa

Singer Asa has been slammed with a lawsuit by music producer Tempoe over copyright infringement of a song titled ‘IDG,’ featuring Grammy winner Wizkid, and ‘Love Me Or Give Me Red Wine.’

Both tracks are from her latest studio album V.

Tempoe claimed that he originally produced the two songs but when an agreement could not be reached as regards rights and finances, Asa sought out another producer P-Priime to produce the version of the respective songs, which made the album.

Tempoe, obtained an order of interim injunction from a Federal High Court sitting at Ikoyi, Lagos against Asa; music producer P.Priime; music distribution company, Platoon; and RUE 11 Limited.

The order dated July 1, read in parts: “In the document numbered FHC/L/CS/262/2022, the plaintiff (Tempoe) made the following prayers in a Motion Exparte filed on the July 1, 2022.

“1. AN ORDER OF INTERIM INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants/ Respondents jointly or severally whether by themselves, their assigns, agents, and servants howsoever from further distributing, offering for sale, performing any of the said musical works titled ‘IDG’ and ‘Love Me or Give Me Red Wine’ in whatever manner pending the determination of the Applicant’s Motion on Notice.

“2. AN ORDER granting leave for the Plaintiff/ Applicant to publish a copy of the enrolled order that may be made pursuant to this application in at least one (1) national newspaper circulating in Nigeria.

“3. AND for such further order(s) as this Honorable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.”

The case has been adjourned until September 26.

Asa released V, her fifth studio album, on February 25, 2022. The compilation houses 10 tracks with features from Wizkid, The Cavemen and Amaarae.