Major Legal Dispute Erupts Over Burna Boy's Early Music Catalogue
A significant legal conflict has emerged in Nigeria's entertainment industry, centering on the ownership rights to Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy's early music catalogue. The dispute involves his former record label and current management team, with court cases now active in multiple jurisdictions across the country.
Court Cases Filed in Lagos and Port Harcourt
The legal battle, which began in mid-2024, has escalated dramatically with lawsuits filed in both the Federal High Court of Lagos and the Federal High Court of Port Harcourt. These cases represent a complex intersection of civil litigation and criminal proceedings that could determine the future ownership of Burna Boy's foundational musical works.
At the heart of the controversy is the sale of Burna Boy's master recordings and intellectual property rights. The conflict originated when Aristokrat Music, the label that originally signed Burna Boy in 2011, allegedly transferred his early catalogue to Spaceship Music. This imprint is managed by the artist himself alongside his mother, Bose Ogulu.
Shareholder Rights and Corporate Governance Dispute
The 960 Music Group, which holds a substantial 40 percent stake in Aristokrat Records, has raised serious objections to this transaction. Company representatives assert that the deal was executed without their consent or proper board approval, effectively sidelining them from a decision involving their significant investment.
According to legal documents, 960 Music maintains that Aristokrat's most valuable assets were sold secretly, violating established corporate governance protocols. The company has petitioned the Port Harcourt court to nullify the sale entirely, arguing that shareholder rights were completely disregarded during the transaction process.
Criminal Charges Add Complexity to Civil Case
The situation has grown more complicated with the involvement of law enforcement agencies. The Force Criminal Investigation Department has filed criminal charges against Piriye Isokrari, founder of Aristokrat Records, following an investigation into fraud allegations raised by 960 Music.
Isokrari faces accusations of diverting proceeds from the multi-million dollar catalogue sale for personal use and failing to adhere to corporate governance standards. Additional allegations include breach of fiduciary duty, with claims that he negotiated a private arrangement with Spaceship Music that deliberately excluded his business partners.
Impact on Burna Boy's Musical Legacy
For Burna Boy, the 2021 Grammy Award winner, this legal entanglement presents significant complications. While the 2024 transaction may have been intended to grant him complete control over his early master recordings, the alleged procedural irregularities have placed these valuable assets in legal limbo.
The court's eventual ruling will determine whether breakthrough hits like "Like to Party" and "Tonight" remain with Spaceship Music or revert to Aristokrat's original partners. This decision could substantially impact the artist's control over his early discography and the financial benefits derived from these foundational works.
Broader Implications for Music Industry
This high-profile case highlights critical issues within Nigeria's music industry regarding intellectual property rights, corporate governance in entertainment businesses, and the legal protections for artists' early catalogues. The outcome may establish important precedents for how similar disputes are handled in the future.
The legal proceedings continue to unfold as both civil and criminal courts examine the complex web of allegations, corporate agreements, and artistic rights at the center of this landmark entertainment industry dispute.
