Blackface Demands #62 Million From Wizkid, Banky W for Stealing His Song

Nigerian musician Ahmedu Augustine Obiabo popularly known as Blackface has filed a case of intellectual theft against Banky W and Wizkid and demanded N62 million compensation.

In a report by the net.ng, Blackface and his Loudoun Entertainment Limited are listed as plaintiffs in the suit filed on 14 August, while Empire Mates Entertainment, Starboy Entertainment, Wizkid and Banky W are listed as co-defendants.

Blackface seeks a declaration that ‘Slow Whine’, a song on Wizkid’s debut ‘Superstar’ album released on June 2011, was a reproduction of the record ‘Like The Way’, which he put out in April 2010.

Blackface specifically claimed that the vocal rhythm, melodic progression and lyrical content of principal parts were lifted from his song.

Therefore, he is seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Wizkid and Banky W from performing ‘Slow Whine’ or using it for any commercial purpose.

The ‘Hard Life’ crooner also asked for an order stopping the marketing, distribution or any commercialisation of Wizkid’s ‘Superstar’ album, because the disputed song is on it.

Blackface said on his Instagram page: “I have remained quiet while my name has been dragged in the mud the past few years. Some of Nigeria’s biggest artists have infringed on my copyrights but I always restricted myself to speaking out against this in the media.

“Maybe because I always felt that music is an art and not really a business where you bring in lawyers and all that. That’s why I couldn’t believe when I was sued for N50m by the same people who stole my intellectual property.

“I have nothing personal against Wizkid & Banky, in fact, I can say I groove to both their music, but the fact is that they stole my song in 2011 and there’s clear evidence to prove it. We’ll allow the Court to decide.”