Funke Akindele, Waje, Amazon Named in N300 Million Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Filed by Nigerian Songwriter Nicole

A lawsuit that has captured the attention of the Nigerian entertainment industry, renowned movie star Funke Akindele, Waje alongside international giants Amazon Web Inc., and Apple Inc., find themselves embroiled in a N300 million copyright infringement lawsuit. 

This legal action, filed by Nigerian songwriter Ewaoluwa Olatunji Nicole, known professionally as Ewa Cole or the “Queen of Afro-Solk,” marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle for copyright protection and recognition within the creative sectors.

Nicole’s lawsuit, lodged before a Federal High Court in Lagos State, is not just against individual celebrities like Funke Akindele and Bello Abdulrasheed, known as JJC, but also implicates major corporations including Amazon Web Inc., and Transsnet Music Nigeria Ltd. 

This diverse list of defendants underscores the complex nature of copyright disputes in the digital age, where works can be globally distributed with the click of a button.

The core of Nicole’s grievance lies in the alleged unauthorized use of her songs “Bhad Gyal” and “Opoor” in the musical drama “She Must Be Obeyed,” produced by Funke Akindele and her team. According to Nicole and her legal representative, Mr. Adewale Williams, the songs were reproduced and featured prominently in the series without Nicole’s permission, credit, or compensation. 

This series, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video in September 2023, includes performances by notable figures such as Waje and Veeiye, adding a layer of celebrity involvement that has only intensified public interest in the case.

Nicole’s account of events paints a picture of betrayal and exploitation. She alleges that after being approached by Mr. Tony Age to contribute soundtracks for “She Must Be Obeyed,” and after delivering the tracks under the belief that Akindele’s team would negotiate payment and recognition, she was falsely informed that her work was rejected.

The discovery that her songs were not only used but also featured prominently in the series without her consent has prompted Nicole to seek justice through the courts.

The lawsuit emphasizes the importance of copyright as a mechanism for protecting the intellectual property rights of creators. Nicole’s demands include a substantial compensation of N300 million for the infringement of her copyright. 

Moreover, she seeks a perpetual injunction to prevent further unauthorized use of her musical works and an order directing the defendants to share 45 percent of the profits made from the use, performance, reproduction, and distribution of the songs in question.

This case highlights the challenges artists face in safeguarding their creative outputs in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. For Funke Akindele, Amazon, and the other defendants, the lawsuit serves as a critical test of the mechanisms in place to ensure fair compensation and recognition for creative contributions. As the legal proceedings unfold, the entertainment industry and its observers await a resolution that will hopefully reinforce the value of copyright and the rights of creators in Nigeria and beyond.

In summary, the lawsuit filed by Nicole against Funke Akindele and co-defendants is a pivotal moment for copyright law in Nigeria. It underscores the need for clarity, fairness, and respect for intellectual property rights in the entertainment industry.

As this case progresses, it will undoubtedly shed light on the complexities of copyright enforcement in the digital age and the imperative for all parties to navigate these waters with integrity and respect for the creative process.