Damilola Dapper Denies Selling Artist Catalogues in Nigeria

• Damilola "Dapper" Akinwunmi denies selling former signees' master recordings to third parties.
• Three of Dapper's former signees - T.I Blaze, Seyi Vibez, and Shallipopi - accused him of exploiting their rights and interests.
• The controversy has raised concerns about the exploitation of artists in the Nigerian music industry.
• Lawyers advising artists on contracts are urging them to review agreements for clauses addressing ownership and control of master recordings.

Damilola "Dapper" Akinwunmi, founder of Dapper Group, has been at the center of a brewing storm in the Nigerian music industry.

Damilola "Dapper" Akinwunmi, founder of Dapper Group, has been at the center of a brewing storm in the Nigerian music industry. The controversy began when three of his former signees - T.I Blaze, Seyi Vibez, and Shallipopi - accused him of selling their master recordings to third parties without their consent.

The allegations have sparked a heated debate about ownership and control of master recordings in the industry. As the situation unfolds, lawyers advising artists on contracts are urging them to review their agreements for clauses addressing these issues.

According to reports, Dapper has denied any involvement in selling his former signees' catalogues to distributors or third parties. He claims that the allegations against him are baseless and unfounded.

The controversy has raised concerns about the exploitation of artists in the Nigerian music industry. With many artists relying on record labels and management companies for support, there is a risk of contracts being used to exploit their rights and interests.

In Nigeria, the ownership and control of master recordings are governed by various laws and regulations. The Copyright Act 2022 provides that the owner of a sound recording has the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and communicate it to the public.

However, the law also allows for the assignment or licensing of these rights to third parties. This has led to concerns about the potential for exploitation in the industry, particularly for emerging artists who may not have the bargaining power to negotiate fair contracts.

The controversy surrounding Dapper's alleged actions highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the Nigerian music industry. Artists and their representatives must be vigilant in protecting their rights and interests, particularly when it comes to ownership and control of master recordings.

As the situation continues to unfold, lawyers advising artists on contracts are emphasizing the importance of reviewing agreements for clauses addressing these issues. This will help prevent exploitation and ensure that artists receive fair compensation for their work.

Lawyers advising artists on contracts should review their agreements for clauses that address ownership and control of master recordings, as this case highlights the potential for exploitation in the Nigerian music industry.

Source: Original reporting via Premium Times Nigeria