Nigerian Musician Threatens Lawsuit Against Premier Records Over Copyright Infringement

Famous Nigerian musician and activist, Charles Emeka Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has threatened a lawsuit against his former record label, Premier Records Limited, over an alleged breach of contract signed in 1988.

Charly Boy, in a letter issued by his lawyer, Rockson Igelige, dated June 19, 2023, claimed the record label violated the terms of their agreement signed 35 years ago.

The letter said the singer signed “artists recording contracts” with the company in 1988, 1990 and also recently, which have all expired.

He alleged that despite the expiration of the contracts, Premier Records was still breaching copyrights to his musical works.

“On our client’s instructions, we demand that your company hand over our client’s master tapes, artworks, promo collateral for the music and other relevant and confidential information with your company within 30 days of the date of this letter.

“We also demand your company’s payment of our client’s outstanding royalties.

“We have our client’s instructions to formally inform your company to stop further breach of our client’s copyrights to the musical works under the musical albums and single(s) produced during the aforesaid expired contract period.

“This is as a result of the fact that the condition precedent as well as the consideration for the contracts were not met and furnished.

“This serves as a legal notice that further breach after the receipt of this letter will attract legal action”, the statement reads.

Premier Records is yet to give reactions to the allegation as of the time of filing this report.

DailyPost/Olusola Akintonde