Charly Boy, the renowned entertainer whose real name is Charles Oputa, has issued a legal threat against Premier Records Limited for alleged violations of the terms of the agreement in musical contracts signed approximately 35 years ago.
This development was revealed through a letter written by Mr. Rockson Igelige, Charly Boy’s lawyer, addressed to the record label. The letter, dated June 19, 2023, emphasizes that Charly Boy entered into artist Recording Contracts with Premier Records in 1988, 1990, and more recently.
According to the lawyer, despite the expiration of these contracts, Premier Records is purportedly infringing upon Charly Boy’s copyrights to the musical works.
The letter serves as a notice of intent to sue, highlighting the artist’s determination to seek legal redress in the matter. The contents of the letter were made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
“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 to 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 part.
Igelige highlighted that the affected albums encompassed a range of musical works. One of the albums recorded in 1990 included notable songs like “Big Bottom,” “Aids,” “Sexy Lady,” “Mama,” and “Nwata Miss.”
Furthermore, he listed another album titled “U-Turn,” featuring tracks such as “Akula,” “Sheri,” “Comfort,” “Civilian Barrack,” and “Akula” (Instrumental).
Additionally, an album named “Reality” was mentioned, which comprised songs like “Monkey,” “Family Support,” “No. 6 Man,” “Give Me Life,” “Lagos Life,” and “Baby Come Back.”
Igelige argued that the terms of the contracts entered into with the company, initially known as Polydor Record in 1988, then Polygram Records Limited in 1990, and presently Premier Records Limited, had expired as per the passage of time.
“In this wise, we have our client’s instructions to formally inform your company to stop the further breach of our client’s copyrights to the musical works under the music albums and singles 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 any 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.
