A growing legal dispute over the early music catalogue of Nigerian superstar Burna Boy has intensified, with Warner Music Group now facing mounting pressure to halt distribution activities and potentially join ongoing court proceedings.
Lagos-based law firm Creative Legal, representing 960 Music Limited, confirmed that it has formally notified Warner Music over the alleged transfer of Burna Boy’s early catalogue. The works in dispute include his debut album L.I.F.E (2013) and the follow-up project Redemption (2016).
In its notice, the firm demanded the immediate suspension of all distribution, marketing, monetisation, licensing, and other commercial activities linked to the catalogue. However, a spokesperson for Creative Legal said Warner Music had yet to respond to the petition.
“We are considering all options right now, including adding them to the suit if they do not engage reasonably,” the spokesperson said.
At the centre of the dispute is a claim by 960 Music Limited, which holds a 40 per cent stake in Aristokrat Records, Burna Boy’s former label. The company alleges it was neither informed nor gave consent to the purported transfer of the catalogue from Aristokrat Records Nigeria Limited to Spaceship Music, a label linked to the artist and his mother, Bose Ogulu.
According to the legal team, the transaction was carried out without board or shareholder approval and is now the subject of civil proceedings before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt (Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/188/2024). The plaintiffs are seeking, among other reliefs, the nullification of the assignment and a refund of proceeds.
In addition to the civil case, criminal proceedings have also been initiated in connection with the transaction (Charge No. FHC/L/1087/2025: Commissioner of Police v. Aristokrat Records Nigeria Limited & Anor.), involving allegations of fraudulent conversion and related offences.
Creative Legal has further requested that Warner Music refrain from entering into new agreements tied to the catalogue, preserve all financial and royalty records, and provide written confirmation of compliance within seven days.
Barrister Justin Ige, managing partner at Creative Legal, confirmed that the firm had not received any formal response after the deadline elapsed and is now awaiting further instructions from its client.
The dispute, which escalated in February, stems from claims that Aristokrat Records sold Burna Boy’s historical masters to Spaceship Music in mid-2024. However, 960 Music insists the transaction was unlawful and has challenged its validity in court.
The case also involves allegations against Aristokrat Records’ chief executive, Piriye Isokrari, including claims of fraud, financial misconduct, and breach of fiduciary duty. The accusations include alleged diversion of proceeds and failure to secure necessary corporate approvals.
If the court rules in favour of 960 Music Limited, ownership and control of Burna Boy’s early catalogue, featuring some of his most notable tracks, could be significantly affected, potentially throwing the rights to the music into legal uncertainty.