June 21, (THEWILL) – Controversial activist, Charles Oputa, aka Charly Boy, has threatened to sue Premier Records Limited over alleged violation of terms of agreement in musical contracts signed about 35 years ago.
The singer made this known in a letter written to the record label by his lawyer, Mr Rockson Igelige.
According to the content of the letter dated June 19, 2023, the lawyer stated that Charly Boy had signed artiste recording contracts with the company in 1988, 1990 and also recently.
He alleged that the contracts had since expired but Premier Records was still breaching the musical copyright of his client.
“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 include 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 on the list is an album titled ‘Reality’, which contains songs such as ‘Monkey’, ‘Family Support’, ‘No.6 Man’, ‘Give My 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 as 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,” the letter added.
