According to a report in the Nation newspapers, legendary Nigerian
musician, Onyeka Onwenu, has sued IROKING, a music and movie
distributor, over violation of her copyright.
The veteran Nollywood actress was at the Lagos High Court on Monday, where her N205 million suit against Iroking was heard.
It was gathered that Onyeka had on Sunday, sent a public broadcast
announcing her legal move over an alleged copyright infringement, which
she described as “massive violation of my musical copyright dues and the illegal exploitation of my intellectual property.”
She said, “For years, Iroking profited from the sale of my
music, even after a two-year contract it signed with me had elapsed. For
years, also, they denied that they were doing so, they denied that they
had made any profits from their illegal exploits.
“When they were caught in the lie, they wanted to settle but
refused to show up for meetings. Iroking as a company is arrogant and
has no regard for the people, artistes whose works and labor have made
them successful.
“We are therefore suing to make a point. Artistes have a right
to profit from their intellectual property and labor. Nigeria has
copyright laws, which ought to be respected. The music industry has been
built up and sustained by artistes and entrepreneurs like me. I demand
to be protected by the laws of my country. Iroking must pay for this
violation.”
The singer urged other artistes to be vigilant, and wake up to their rights, especially in the Internet era.
“It is also my hope that other artistes will wake up and demand
for what is due them. Many do not know that their music is being
exploited on YouTube and other carriers.
“Some Record Companies are selling our music on the internet
and claiming ownership of the Copyright. If only we would pay attention,
artistes would discover that while they had been doing all the creative
work, investing in their careers and in the industry at large, someone
else is collecting all the profit. Enough is Enough!”