A legal battle is brewing over Burna Boy’s early music catalogue as Warner Music Group faces mounting pressure to halt its distribution activities. Lagos-based Creative Legal is representing 960 Music Limited in this dispute, which revolves around the alleged transfer of Burna Boy’s albums, specifically *L.I.F.E* (2013) and *Redemption* (2016).
Legal Demands Against Warner Music
Creative Legal has formally notified Warner Music Group, demanding an immediate suspension of all distribution, marketing, and monetization activities linked to Burna Boy’s works. According to a spokesperson, Warner Music has not yet responded to their petition.
- 960 Music Limited owns a 40% stake in Aristokrat Records, Burna Boy’s former label.
- The group argues that the assignment of the catalogue from Aristokrat Records to Spaceship Music was done without notification or consent.
The lawyers further assert that the transaction lacked necessary board or shareholder approval and is under review in civil proceedings at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt (Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/188/2024: 960 Music Ltd v. Aristokrat Records Nigeria Limited & Ors.). The reliefs being sought include nullifying the assignment and obtaining a refund of the proceeds.
Criminal Proceedings Initiated
In addition to civil action, criminal proceedings have also been initiated related to the same transaction (Charge No. FHC/L/1087/2025: Commissioner of Police v. Aristokrat Records Nigeria Limited & Anor.). The allegations involve fraudulent conversion and related offences.
Creative Legal has urged Warner Music to refrain from entering new agreements, preserve financial records, and provide written confirmation of compliance within seven days of receiving the notice. As of now, Barrister Justin Ige, managing partner at Creative Legal, indicated that no response has been received.
Background of the Dispute
This dispute escalated in February 2024, focusing on claims that Aristokrat Records sold Burna Boy’s historical masters to Spaceship Music in mid-2024. 960 Music maintains that the sale was unlawful and has challenged the transaction in court.
The case also involves allegations against Aristokrat Records’ CEO, Piriye Isokrari, related to fraud and breach of fiduciary duty. Specific claims include the diversion of sale proceeds and the failure to secure necessary approvals.
If the court rules in favor of 960 Music, it could alter control over Burna Boy’s early catalogue, leading to significant legal uncertainty regarding the ownership of his popular tracks.
