Burna Boy catalogue dispute escalates as 960 Music seeks to void Aristokrat Music deal, raising questions over early hits ownership
Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy is facing fresh legal challenges after a major shareholder in his former record label moved to void a multi-million dollar catalogue deal.
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According to Channels TV, 960 Music Group has approached the court seeking to nullify the alleged sale of Burna Boy’s early music catalogue, claiming the transaction was carried out without its knowledge or approval.
The dispute concerns a 2024 deal in which Aristokrat Music, the label that helped launch Burna Boy’s career, allegedly transferred ownership of the singer’s early intellectual property and master recordings to Spaceship Music, the imprint linked to Burna Boy and his mother, Bose Ogulu.
960 Music, reportedly holding around 40 per cent equity in Aristokrat Music, argues that the move violated corporate governance rules.
The company described the label’s “crown jewel” assets as being sold without board authorisation or shareholder consent.
The legal matter has now taken on a criminal dimension, with the Force Criminal Investigation Department filing charges against Aristokrat founder Piriye Isokrari.
He faces allegations of fraudulent conversion and breach of fiduciary duty, amid claims that proceeds from the sale were handled outside official company structures.
960 Music alleges that the deal was privately structured with Spaceship Music, effectively sidelining existing partners.
Industry analysts note that the case could affect Burna Boy’s control over his early hits. Global music stars increasingly seek to regain ownership of early masters, but legal disputes over transfer procedures can delay or reverse such efforts.
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If the court rules in favour of 960 Music, ownership of some of Burna Boy’s breakout-era songs could revert to the original partnership structure, pending further legal decisions.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
