Warner Music Group may be joined in an ongoing lawsuit over the alleged sale of early recordings by singer Burna Boy, following a petition by a coalition of Nigerian music entrepreneurs.
Lagos-based law firm Creative Legal, solicitors to 960 Music Limited, said it had formally notified Warner Music, the global distributor for Spaceship Music, of a dispute concerning the transfer of Burna Boy’s early catalogue, including the albums L.I.F.E (2013) and Redemption (2016).
A spokesperson for the firm said the petition asked Warner Music to suspend all commercial activities linked to the works pending the outcome of court proceedings in Nigeria.
“Warner has yet to acknowledge or respond to our petition and we are considering all options right now, including adding them to the suit if they do not engage reasonably,” the spokesperson said.
The lawyers said 960 Music, a major shareholder in Aristokrat Records, Burna Boy’s former label, was not notified of or did not consent to the transfer of the catalogue from Aristokrat Records Nigeria Limited to Spaceship Music Limited.
They said the transaction is the subject of a civil case before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, where 960 Music is seeking the nullification of the assignment and a refund of proceeds.
The firm also said criminal proceedings have been initiated in connection with the transaction, involving allegations of fraudulent conversion.
Creative Legal said it asked Warner Music to take several steps, including suspending distribution and monetisation of the albums, refraining from new licensing or publishing agreements, and preserving all financial and royalty records related to the catalogue.
The firm also requested written confirmation of compliance within seven days.
Managing partner of Creative Legal Justin Ige said the firm had not received any formal response from Warner Music at the expiration of the deadline.
He said the firm is awaiting further instruction from its client, 960 Music Limited, on the next steps.
