Legal Battle Erupts Over Burna Boy's Early Music Masters
A significant legal dispute has emerged in Nigeria's music industry, with 960 Music Group filing a lawsuit to invalidate the multi-million dollar sale of Burna Boy's early catalogue. The case centers on allegations of fraudulent activity and corporate governance failures that could determine ownership of some of the artist's most iconic songs.
Details of the Lawsuit and Corporate Dispute
On February 9, 2026, 960 Music Group initiated legal proceedings at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, seeking to declare null and void the sale of Burna Boy's early masters from Aristokrat Music to Spaceship Music. The transaction, reportedly completed in mid-2024, transferred intellectual property and master recordings from Burna Boy's formative years to his current label, which is managed by the artist and his mother, Bose Ogulu.
960 Music Group, holding a substantial 40 percent equity stake in Aristokrat Music, claims it was completely excluded from the decision-making process. According to court documents, the company alleges the sale was executed without its knowledge, consent, or proper board approval. The disputed catalogue includes foundational hits like "Like to Party" and "Tonight" that propelled Burna Boy to international stardom.
Key Parties and Their Positions
960 Music Group: As minority shareholders with significant investment, they argue that no single executive possessed authority to sell what they describe as Aristokrat's "crown jewel asset" without proper corporate procedures. They maintain that any disposal of such valuable assets requires formal board-level approval.
Spaceship Music: The purchasing entity that currently holds the song masters. The 2024 deal was widely perceived as Burna Boy's strategic move to gain full ownership of his early work, aligning with global trends where artists seek control over their creative output.
Aristokrat Records: The original label that discovered and signed Burna Boy in 2011. The company now faces accusations of selling assets without proper authorization from its board of directors.
Piriye Isokrari: Founder and CEO of Aristokrat Records, who faces criminal charges from the Force Criminal Investigation Department for alleged fraudulent conversion and breach of fiduciary duty. Investigators claim proceeds from the sale were diverted for personal use rather than entering company accounts.
Criminal Dimension and Financial Allegations
The dispute has escalated beyond commercial litigation to include criminal proceedings. The FCID has filed charges against Isokrari following an investigation prompted by 960 Music's complaints. According to law enforcement documents, the multi-million dollar sale proceeds were allegedly misappropriated, with funds reportedly routed outside official company channels.
An unnamed executive at 960 Music explained to Channels TV why criminal involvement became necessary: "You cannot sell 100 percent of an asset when you only have the authority to manage the company. We are asking the court to bring those assets back." Isokrari has not issued any public response to these serious allegations at this time.
Potential Industry Implications and Outcomes
For Burna Boy, this legal entanglement creates substantial uncertainty. The Grammy-winning artist's apparent victory in securing ownership of his early masters through the 2024 deal could be completely reversed if courts rule in favor of 960 Music. Such an outcome would return his breakout hits to the original corporate structure at Aristokrat, undermining the very purpose of the acquisition.
The catalogue currently exists in legal limbo, with parallel civil cases progressing in Lagos and Port Harcourt alongside criminal proceedings. The final judicial determination will establish whether Burna Boy maintains control over his foundational work or loses it due to corporate governance disputes and alleged financial irregularities.
This case highlights critical issues in Nigeria's entertainment industry regarding:
- Corporate governance standards in music businesses
- Intellectual property rights protection
- Shareholder rights in creative enterprises
- Financial transparency in high-value music transactions
The resolution will establish important precedents for how music catalogues are bought, sold, and protected under Nigerian law, potentially affecting numerous artists and labels across the country's vibrant music scene.
