Nigerian singer, Ewa Cole, has initiated legal action against music executive JJC Skillz and director Funke Akindele, accusing them of copyright infringement related to her songs featured in the movie “She Must Be Obeyed.”
Produced by SceneOne Entertainment and co-directed by Funke Akindele and JJC Skillz, the movie gained attention with a star-studded cast, including Nancy Isime, Abdulateef Adedimeji, Akah Nnani, Veeiye, Waje, Patience Ozokwo, Rachael Okonkwo, and Mike Ezuronye.
In a submission to the Federal High Court of Lagos, Ewa Cole, represented by her attorney Adewale Williams, claimed ownership of the rights to “Opoor” and “Bhad Garl,” asserting that these songs were used without her consent in "SHE Must Be Obeyed."
Defendants in the lawsuit include Tony Ugiagbe (Topage), Waje, Veeiye, Amazon Web Services Nigeria Ltd. (BoomPlay), Amazon Web Services Inc., and Apple Inc.
Ewa Cole alleged that after being informed her songs were rejected, Waje and Veeiye copied "Bhad Gyal" and "Opoor" without proper credit, permission, or approval.
She explained, “The 'She Must Be Obeyed' series released in September 2023 and premiered by Amazon Prime Video is now being watched around the globe and generating several revenues for Amazon, Apple Music, BoomPlay, Funke Akindele, and her crew without even the least recognition of Our Client as the author of those songs.”
Ewa Cole is seeking N300 million in damages for alleged copyright infringement and requested a permanent injunction preventing the defendants from copyrighting, performing, or redistributing her musical compositions. Additionally, she asked for a 45 percent share of all earnings from the use, performance, duplication, and sale of the two songs.