Bella Shmurda sued by record label for breach of contract

Akinbiyi Abiola Ahmed, popularly known as Bella Shmurda, a fast rising Nigerian artiste is being sued by his record label.

One Word Global Records Limited claim Shmurda has been has been releasing, publishing, distributing, and promoting songs and videos without its knowledge and authority. According to the label, this is in violation of the terms of the singer’s contract.

Bella Shmurda is reported to have a contract with the label set to expire sometime in 2022.

While his contract with One Word Global Records Limited still subsists, Shmurda has also gone on to announce that he has signed to another record label, Dangbana Republik. He has also been collaborating with other artistes without the label’s consent.

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The label also claims the Singer has failed to remit the royalties from the songs he’s released under the label. In the Originating process filed by One Word Global Records, the label now claims ownership of the name, “Bella Shmurda”. The record label also claim copyright in all music and recordings released under or in connection with the name.

They’re asking the court to restrain Akinbiyi Abiola Ahmed from using the name and performing under it. Furthermore, they’re also seeking damages to the sum of N200 million for the breach of the Contract.

The label’s CEO, Prince Nkem Onyenwenu, claims all efforts to get Shmurda to listen to reason have proved abortive. He also threatened to take similar actions against any person or organisations who “aids, assists or partakes in the violation of its trademark in the name and its copyright in the musical works released under the name”.

Earlier this year, Bella Shmurda was nominated for the Next Rated award at the 2021 edition of the Headies. However, the award went to Omah Lay.