Efe Omoregbe has weighed in on the dispute of Mercy Chinwo and Judikay with Eezee Conceptz.
Efe Omoregbe, a veteran music industry expert and former manager of Nigerian singer 2baba, has shared his thoughts on the ongoing legal battle between gospel singers Mercy Chinwo and Judikay and their former manager, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, aka Eezee Conceptz.
According to Omoregbe, the traditional practice in the music industry is for record labels to own master rights. Meanwhile, he emphasized that if an artist wants to acquire these rights, they must follow proper procedures. This includes conducting a valuation of the catalogue, making an offer to the label, and negotiating a fair agreement.
Also, Omoregbe stated that forcing a label to relinquish master rights is not in line with global industry practices. He cited the example of Burna Boy, who reportedly made a bid to buy the master rights to his recordings from his former label, Aristokrat.
Lastly, in a press statement, Omoregbe reiterated his stance, saying, “Master rights are typically owned by the label under standard industry agreements… This is an issue that can be resolved professionally and amicably. There is no need for compulsion, law enforcement, or undue escalation. Negotiation is the right path to resolve such matters.”