Veteran performer Charles Oputa, often known as Charly Boy, has taken legal action against Premier Records Limited for allegedly breaking the terms of musical contracts that were signed over 35 years ago.
In a letter to the record label that was sent by his attorney, Mr. Rockson Igelige, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, he made this point clear.
In a letter dated June 19, 2023, the attorney claimed that Charly Boy had lately as well as in 1988, 1990, and other times signed Artists Recording Contracts with the business.
But he claimed that even if the contracts were no longer in effect, Premier Records was still violating his client’s copyrights to the musical compositions.
“On our client’s instructions, we demand that your company hand over our client’s master tapes, artworks, promo collateral for the music and other relevant and confidential information with your company within 30 days of the date of this letter.
“We also demand your company’s payment of our client’s outstanding royalties,” the letter read in parts.
According to Igelige, the albums affected included, the one recorded in 1990 containing songs such as Big Bottom, Aids, Sexy Lady, Mama, and Nwata Miss.
He also listed an album titled “U-Turn” with songs including Akula, Sheri, Comfort, Civilian Barrack, Akula (Instrumental).
Also in the list is an album titled “Reality” which contains songs such as Monkey, Family Support, No.6 Man, Give Mv Life, Lagos Life and Baby Come Back.
He contended that the terms of the contracts entered with the company as Polydor Record in 1988, Polygram Records Limited in 1990, and currently Premier Records Limited had ended by expiration of time.
“In this wise, we have our client’s instructions to formally inform your company to stop further breach of our client’s copyrights to the musical works under the musical albums and single(s) produced during the aforesaid expired contract period.
“This is a result of the fact that the condition precedent as well as the consideration for the contracts were not met and furnished.
“This serves as a legal notice that further breach after the receipt of this letter will attract legal action.“We hope and trust that your company will comply with our client’s modest demands,”
he said.