Nigerian fast-rising artist, Akinbiyi Abiola Ahmed, popularly known as Bella Shmurda, has been sued by his record label ‘One Word Global Record Limited’ for copyright infringement.
The singer was accused of releasing, publishing, distributing, and promoting songs and videos without the knowledge of the record label, an action that contravenes the terms and conditions of his contract.
It was gathered that Bella Shmurda’s contract with One Word Global Records Limited will expire in 2022.
According to the record label boss, Prince Nkem Onyenwenu: “While his contract with One Word Global Records Limited is still in effect, the singer has gone so far as to announce that he has been signed to another record company known as Dangbana Republik.
Meanwhile, One Word Records Limited also accused him of collaborating with other artists without their permission. Adding that Bella Shmurda has failed to remit the royalties accruing from the exploitation of the songs he released under the label.
From the originating motion filed by One Word Records Limited, the label claims ownership of the trademark to the name “Bella Shmurda” as well as the copyright in all the musical works and recordings released under or in connection with the name.
The record label also seeks the Order of Court to restrict the singer from laying claim to the name and performing the musical works released under or in connection with the name.
The label also seeks the sum of N200 million damages for the singer’s breach of contract. According to the Chief Executive Officer of the label, “All efforts to get Bella Shmurda to listen to the voice of reason have proved abortive.”
The record label boss also threatened to file similar actions against any person or organization who aids, assist, or partakes in the violation of its trademark in the name and its copyright in the musical works released under the name.
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