Burna Boy
Grammy-winning Afrobeats star Burna Boy is facing a major legal challenge over the ownership of his early music catalogue, following a lawsuit filed by 960 Music Group.
The company is asking a court to cancel a multimillion-dollar deal involving the sale of Burna Boy’s past recordings, arguing that the transaction was completed without proper approval from shareholders.
The dispute is linked to a 2024 agreement in which Aristokrat Music reportedly transferred the singer’s master recordings to his current label, Spaceship Music. However, 960 Music, which holds a substantial stake in Aristokrat, insists it was sidelined during the process and never gave its consent.
In its court filings, the group is seeking to have the deal declared invalid and wants its rights over the catalogue restored. It is also calling for a full legal review of how the agreement was executed.
Sources cited by Channels Television revealed that regulators may look into claims of financial misconduct and possible breach of fiduciary duty connected to the transaction.
So far, neither Burna Boy nor representatives of Spaceship Music have issued an official response to the lawsuit.
Legal experts believe the outcome of the case could have far-reaching effects on Nigeria’s music industry.
They say it highlights the growing need for transparent contracts and clearly defined ownership structures, especially as Afrobeats continues to gain global recognition.
As the legal process unfolds, industry watchers and fans alike will be monitoring developments closely, given Burna Boy’s status as one of Africa’s most influential music stars.
