Court fixes date for N200m suit against Tiwa Savage, Don Jazzy’s record label

Tiwa Savage and Don Jazzy

A Federal High Court in Lagos, Nigeria has fixed November 5 for hearing in a suit filed by a Nigerian musician, Danny Young, against fellow music star, Tiwa Savage, over alleged copyright infringement.

In the suit, labeled FHC/L/CS/230/2019 and pending before Justice Mohammed Liman, Young is claiming N205 million ($566,304) in damages against Savage for allegedly, using his musical work titled ‘ONE’ without lawful authority.

Also joined in the suit is Marvin Records, a Nigerian record label, founded by record artist, Don Jazzy, on May 8, 2012.

The ‘Omo Lepa’ hit singer filed the suit through his counsel, Mr Justin Ige, of Creative Legal, claiming the sum of N200 million in damages against the defendants for copyright violation.

He is also claiming N5 million as cost of action, as well as demanding an account for profits accrued to the defendants from the use of the infringing musical work titled ‘ONE’.

Although the Plaintiff filed the suit since February 13, the defendants failed to file any response to the suit.

The court has consequently, now set down the suit for definite hearing on November 5.

Plaintiff is seeking a declaration, that by copying, recording, reproducing and broadcasting his musical composition and melody without his authorization, the defendants have infringed on his copyright.

He is seeking a declaration that by copying, performing, and distributing literary work and music lyrics authored and owned by him without lawful authority, the defendants have infringed on his copyright.

He, therefore, seeks an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, whether by themselves or their agents, from further copying, performing, recording, reproducing, or communicating to the public, his musical composition.