Music
Warner Music Group (WMG) is facing mounting legal pressure in Nigeria as a dispute over the rights to Burna Boy’s early catalogue escalates, with the company at risk of being joined in ongoing civil and criminal proceedings.
A coalition of Nigerian music entrepreneurs, led by 960 Music Limited, has petitioned the global entertainment giant over the alleged unauthorised sale and exploitation of the artist’s early works.
Lagos-based law firm Creative Legal, representing 960 Music, confirmed it has formally notified WMG—distributor for Spaceship Music, Burna Boy’s label—of the dispute involving the albums L.I.F.E (2013) and Redemption (2016). The firm is demanding that Warner immediately suspend all distribution, monetisation, licensing and related commercial activities tied to the catalogue pending judicial determination.
According to the petitioners, 960 Music, the largest shareholder in Aristokrat Records—Burna Boy’s former label—was neither informed of nor consented to the alleged transfer of the catalogue from Aristokrat Records Nigeria Limited to Spaceship Music Limited. Lawyers argue the transaction lacked required board and shareholder approvals, forming the basis of the ongoing legal challenge.
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The matter is currently before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt (Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/188/2024), where 960 Music is seeking to nullify the assignment and recover proceeds from the alleged sale. Parallel criminal proceedings have also been initiated in Lagos (Charge No. FHC/L/1087/2025), with authorities pursuing allegations including fraudulent conversion.
Creative Legal has issued a series of demands to WMG, including an immediate halt to all exploitation of the works, preservation of financial and royalty records, and a commitment to avoid entering new licensing or distribution agreements tied to the catalogue. The firm also requested written confirmation of compliance within seven days.
As of the deadline’s expiration, the firm says Warner Music has not responded, raising the likelihood of further legal action. Managing partner Justin Ige noted that the next steps will depend on instructions from 960 Music, as the dispute threatens to draw one of the world’s biggest music companies deeper into Nigeria’s evolving music rights landscape.