A Lagos court hearing the dispute between 960 Music Group and Aristokrat Records over the ownership of singer Burna Boy’s early music catalogue was stalled again on Monday after the defendant failed to appear in court.
Aristokrat Records and its founder, Priye Isokrari, were absent, along with their legal representatives, bringing proceedings to a halt before they could begin.
The matter was stepped down and did not proceed, extending a pattern of absences that has slowed down the case. Representatives of 960 Music Group and their lawyers were present and ready to continue with the hearing.
With the repeated non-appearance of the defendant, the court on Tuesday approved substituted service. This allows court processes and documents to now be served on Aristokrat Records and Priye Isokrari through WhatsApp and other electronic means.
The decision means the defendants can no longer avoid service by claiming they did not receive court documents.
The case has now been adjourned to June 10, for a substantive hearing where both parties are expected to appear.
The dispute centres on ownership rights over Burna Boy’s early catalogue from his time with Aristokrat Records, including songs released during the period he was signed to the label in the early years of his career. 960 Music Group is seeking recognition of its claimed rights over parts of the catalogue, while Aristokrat Records has challenged those claims.
