Veteran musician, Onyeka Onwenu, has slammed Iroking (a Nigeria based free music streaming brand) with a N205 million lawsuit for massive violation of her musical copyright dues and the illegal exploitation of her intellectual property.
In her public statement on the lawsuit, Onyeka Onwenu said “For years, Iroking profited from the sale of my music, even after a two-year contract it signed with me had elapsed. For years, also, they denied that they were doing so, they denied that they had made any profits from their illegal exploits. When they were caught in the lie, they wanted to settle but refused to show up for meetings.”
“Iroking as a Company is arrogant and has no regard for the people, Artistes whose works and labour have made them successful. We are therefore suing to make a point. Artistes have a right to profit from their Intellectual Property and labour. Nigeria has Copyright Laws which ought to be respected. The music industry has been built up and sustained by artistes and entrepreneurs like me. I demand to be protected by the Laws of my Country. Iroking must pay for this violation” she concluded.
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