Veteran Nigerian musician Charles Oputa, also known as Charly Boy, has threatened to file a lawsuit against his record label over alleged violation of terms of an agreement in musical contracts signed about 35 years ago.
He made this known in a letter written to the record label by his lawyer, Mr Rockson Igelige, on Wednesday in Abuja.
In the letter dated 19 June, 2023, the lawyer said Charly Boy had signed Artists Recording Contracts with Premier Records Limited in 1988, 1990 and also recently.
He, however, alleged that the contracts had since expired, but Premier Records was still breaching his client’s copyrights to the 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,” the letter read in part.
According to Igelige, the albums affected included, the one recorded in 1990 containing songs such as Big Bottom, Aids, Sexy Lady, Mama, and Nwata Miss.
He also listed an album titled “U-Turn” with songs including Akula, Sheri, Comfort, Civilian Barrack, Akula (Instrumental).
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Also on the list is an album titled “Reality” which contains songs such as Monkey, Family Support, No.6 Man, Give Mv Life, Lagos Life and Baby Come Back.
He contended that the terms of the contracts entered with the company as Polydor Record in 1988, Polygram Records Limited in 1990, and currently Premier Records Limited had ended by expiration of time.
“In this wise, we have our client’s instructions to formally inform your company to stop a further breach of our client’s copyrights to the musical works under the music 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.
“We hope and trust that your company will comply with our client’s modest demands,” he said.
(NAN)
