Onyeka Onwenu Slams Iroking with N205 Million Lawsuit

One of West Africa’s most popular digital music learn moreing platforms, Iroking, is not particularly having the best start to their year as the music distribution pioneers have been dragged to court by no less a person than the iconic Nigerian musician and actress, Onyeka Onwenu.

The Nigerian entertainment industry veteran, who is responsible for timeless classics such as ‘One Love’, ‘You and I’ and ‘Ekwe’, has sued Iroking for a whopping 205 million naira over their alleged copyright infringement of which she is a victim.

The critically-acclaimed industry pioneer was at the Lagos High Court on Monday where her suit against the distribution platform was heard. The mother of two had earlier made her intention to take legal action over the alleged copyright infringement (which she described as “massive violation of my musical copyright dues and the illegal exploitation of my intellectual property”) public.

The evergreen screen goddess had this to say:

“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.”

Urging other artistes in the industry to be vigilant and stand up for their rights, the actress, who has starred in movies such as ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ and ‘Rising Moon’, further said:

“It is also my hope that other artistes will wake up and demand for what is due them. Many do not know that their music is being exploited on YouTube and other carriers.

”Some Record Companies are selling our music on the internet and claiming ownership of the Copyright. If only we would pay attention, artistes would discover that while they had been doing all the creative work, investing in their careers and in the industry at large, someone else is collecting all the profit. Enough is enough!”