The legal fight over Burna Boy’s early music catalogue has taken another dramatic turn after a Lagos court was forced to stall proceedings once again following the absence of the defendants.
The dispute, involving 960 Music Group and Aristokrat Records, could have major implications for ownership rights tied to some of Burna Boy’s earliest releases. But instead of progress, Monday’s hearing ended in another delay.
According to the proceedings, Aristokrat Records, its founder Priye Isokrari, and their legal representatives were absent, bringing the matter to a halt before substantive arguments could begin.
Representatives of 960 Music Group and their legal team were reportedly present and prepared to proceed, making the repeated no-show even more significant.
With the pattern of absences continuing to slow the case, the court moved to tighten the process.
In a key development, the court approved substituted service, allowing legal documents and court processes to now be served through WhatsApp and other electronic means, a move designed to prevent further delays tied to service disputes.
That ruling could prove consequential.
By allowing electronic service, the court has effectively closed off arguments about non-receipt of documents, increasing pressure on the defendants ahead of the next hearing.
The matter has now been adjourned to June 10 for a substantive hearing, at which both parties are expected to appear.
At the heart of the dispute is ownership of Burna Boy’s early catalogue, specifically music from his time with Aristokrat Records during the formative stage of his career.
While 960 Music Group is seeking recognition of what it says are legitimate rights tied to parts of that catalogue, Aristokrat has challenged those claims, setting up what could become a significant intellectual property battle within Nigeria’s music industry.
And the stakes go beyond one artist.
Cases involving catalogue ownership often shape broader conversations about label agreements, artist rights, royalties, and legacy control, particularly when they concern music created before global superstardom.
For Burna Boy, whose catalogue has grown immensely in cultural and commercial value, the outcome could be significant.
In the industry, the case is also being watched as a test of how legacy rights disputes arising from early recording deals may be handled in Nigerian courts.
For now, though, the legal showdown remains unresolved, with delays continuing to stretch a case many expected would already be moving into substantive arguments.
Come June 10, attention will be on whether the courtroom finally gets the face off it has been waiting for.
