Nigerian Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, known globally as Davido, is facing a significant legal challenge, summoned to a United States federal court in New York within 21 days. This summons stems from allegations of intellectual property theft and breach of settlement, initiated by four Nigerian artists who claim Davido appropriated their 2022 song "Work" for his upcoming track, "Strawberry on Ice." This case not only places Davido's career under scrutiny but also raises critical questions about creative collaboration, copyright practices, and the legal landscape within the burgeoning Afrobeats industry.
According to court documents filed at the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, Martins Chukwuka Emmanuel, Abel Great Umaru, Kelvin Ayodele Campbell, and David Ovhioghena Umaru allege that Davido used their song "Work" as the foundation for his 2024 release, "Strawberry on Ice." They claim their demo of "Work" was shared with Davido in January 2022, with the intention of a collaborative effort. However, they assert that Davido, instead, used their work without proper consent.
The core of the dispute revolves around the alleged unauthorized use of their work, compounded by Davido's subsequent actions. The plaintiffs claim that Davido collaborated with Sierra Leonean artist Emmerson Amidu Bockarie (Emmerson) to recreate their song, incorporating instrumental and vocal elements from the original demo. This collaboration, they contend, constitutes intellectual property theft.
Adding to the complexity, the plaintiffs assert that after attempts to resolve the issue directly, they reached a settlement agreement with Davido on March 14, 2025. This agreement reportedly stipulated that Davido would compensate them with $45,000, along with granting them 40% of the compositional royalties and 20% of the sound recording royalties for "Strawberry on Ice." However, Davido allegedly failed to meet the March 24 payment deadline, leading the plaintiffs to pursue legal action.
This failure to honor a settlement agreement raises questions about the complexities of negotiations within the fast-paced music industry. Delays and misunderstandings are not uncommon, but in high-stakes disputes like this, they can have significant legal repercussions.
The plaintiffs are seeking more than just compliance with the settlement. They are demanding the court affirm their intellectual property rights over "Work," award them $150,000 in damages, and transfer 40% of the compositional copyright and 20% of the sound recording copyright of "Strawberry on Ice" to them. They are also seeking an injunction to prevent Davido and his co-defendants from further using or profiting from the track, emphasizing the importance of protecting artists' creative ownership.
This legal battle highlights a broader issue within the Afrobeats industry, where the lines between collaboration, inspiration, and appropriation can be blurred. Sampling and collaborative practices are common, but they must be conducted within legal and ethical boundaries. In the past, similar copyright disputes have emerged, underscoring the need for clearer industry standards.
The legal ramifications of this case could significantly impact Davido's career and the broader Afrobeats industry. With his extensive international reach and loyal fanbase, any negative publicity could affect his brand and commercial partnerships. This case serves as a reminder that legal frameworks apply equally to all artists, regardless of their success.
Afrobeats Industry Practices and Legal Considerations:
The Afrobeats industry is characterized by its dynamic and collaborative nature. Sampling and interpolation are common practices, but they must be conducted with proper licensing and attribution. This case underscores the importance of clear agreements and transparency in collaborative projects. Artists must be vigilant in protecting their intellectual property rights, and industry stakeholders must promote ethical practices.
