Warner Music Group Faces Nigerian Lawsuit Over Burna Boy Album Distribution
Warner Music Group is under threat of becoming part of active Nigerian litigation. The company did not reply to a formal demand over Burna Boy album distribution.
Legal demand and Warner’s silence
Lagos law firm Creative Legal served a notification on behalf of 960 Music Limited. The letter demanded suspension of all distribution, marketing, monetisation, licensing, synchronisation, and other commercial exploitation.
Warner was given seven days to respond in writing. That deadline expired with no acknowledgement from the global distributor.
The notification arrived electronically at Warner’s official contacts. It also demanded preservation of financial records, royalty statements, and accounting documents.
Origins of the dispute
The disagreement centers on an alleged transfer of Burna Boy’s early catalogue. Aristokrat Records Nigeria Limited reportedly assigned the material to Spaceship Music Limited.
960 Music Limited holds a 40% share in Aristokrat. The company says it was not notified and did not consent to the transaction.
Court proceedings and potential consequences
The dispute is already before Nigerian courts on multiple fronts. Creative Legal warns Warner could be added as a co-defendant if silence continues.
- Federal High Court, Port Harcourt Judicial Division — Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/188/2024. 960 Music Ltd seeks nullification and a refund of sale proceeds.
- Criminal proceedings in Lagos — Charge No. FHC/L/1087/2025. The matter alleges fraudulent conversion and related offences.
The firm says an injunction could be sought to restrain any continued unlawful distribution. Barrister Justin Ige confirmed Creative Legal received no formal compliance notification.
Commercial stakes
The works in dispute are Burna Boy’s debut L.I.F.E (2013) and Redemption (2016). These albums form the early, revenue-generating catalogue for the artist.
Burna Boy is now a Grammy-winning global star. Streaming, publishing, and synchronisation income from the catalogue spans many international markets.
The civil case seeks accounting for royalties and the commercial value of the alleged unauthorised transfer.
Status and next steps
Creative Legal awaits further instructions from 960 Music Limited. Filmogaz.com has contacted Warner Music Group for comment and will update this story on receipt of a reply.
