FCCPC seals popular 4U supermarket in abuja over unfair practices
‘Why we are dragging Tuface, Others back to court’ -Blackface’s Lawyer
By Adekunle Badmus
The unending legal tussle between two of Nigeria’s most successful musicians, Tuface Idibia and Blackface has resurfaced again.
According to the later Blackface’s lawyer, Barr. Manny Enajeroh, Tuface and his team has refused to honour the terms of their settlement last year.
It will be recalled both parties met last year to put an end to the crisis after Tuface’s team resolved to rectify the copyright issue on the song,
‘Let somebody love you’.
According to Barr. Manny Enajeroh,
“In 2017, we were sued by Tuface and Efe Omorogbe for defamation.
“We brought a counter suit for copyright infringement against them because Blackface was not given proper credit for his song “Let somebody love you” which was sampled and used by Tuface.
“We met for mediation which was ordered by the courts and we agreed that he (Blackface) won’t make statements about them in the media anymore.
But they would perfect all outstanding issues with his copyright.” He explained
Enajeroh explained further that, the media carried the story then that, Blackface was paid money for settlement.
“He was not paid anything. They only agreed to rectify his copyrights which they still have not done a year later so the issue is not resolved.
“Blackface and Tuface have no personal issues. They are professional colleagues. These are just business differences”
On the current position of the case According to him,
“We have no choice but to go back to court as it appears that they have no interest in honouring their own obligations under the settlement.”
According to Enajeroh, the new legal action will take a new twist as Ayo Makun, the producer of the movie, ’10days in SunCity’ has been joined as co-defender.
“There is also the issue of synchronization royalties outstanding from the movie ’10 Days in Sun City’ and ‘Phat Girls’ where African Queen was used as soundtrack.
“When you use a song as a soundtrack to a movie, you must pay a licencing fee and synchronization Royalties to the songwriters.
“As you know, Blackface owns 50% songwriters share for African Queen but, he was not paid anything.
“Since the settlement, they have been evading us so we have no choice but to go back to court.
“This time, with AY’s company listed as co-defendant for their involvement.” He said.
According to him, There is nobody in Blackface shoes who will abandon their legal entitlement because of public opinion.
On how the saga can be resolved,
Barr. Enajeroh said,
“This whole thing will come to an end when the right thing is done.
“Blackface should be paid outstanding backdated royalties and licensing fees still being owed to him as holder of 50% share of the copyrights in African Queen.
“He should also be given proper credit for his song ‘Let Somebody Love You’.
“I have met with Tuface and I know he doesn’t have a problem with all these but, those around him seem to be frustrating the progress for reasons best known to them”
On the impression that Blackface sues too much, He explained that,
“Blackface has a legal suit with Wizkid over the sampling of his song “Like the way” in 2011.
“We also have an ongoing International claim against Akon and Konvict Music over sampling of the plantashun Boiz song “One and only”.
“Then we have this suit against Tuface, Kennis Music and Corporate World Entertainment (A.Y).
“I feel more Nigerians should be like Blackface. If most Nigerians were aware of their rights the way he is, the country would have progressed.”
On Blackface version of African Queen,
“The song was written by Blackface. Tuface only wrote the third verse on his own version which Blackface did not use. Tuface is not entitled to any royalties on Blackface version of African Queen.”
