Nigerian Afro-pop singer and
Starboy Entertainment boss, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, better known as
Wizkid, is unlikely to incur legal actions from Ethiopian-Canadian singer and songwriter,
The Weeknd (Abel Makkonen Tesfaye), who seems to be in legal battle with anyone using the “
Starboy” trade mark.
TMZ reports that the Ethiopian-Canadian singer’s lawyers filed documentation against Eymun Talasazan, a realtor who had earlier filed to trademark the name “
Starboy” for use on TV projects and comic books.
Hard work
The Weeknd’s action is driven by the notion that he made “
Starboy” an international household name after the release of his 2016 album that went all the way to number one on the US Billboard 200, debuted at number one on Billboard’s Canadian Albums Chart, was certified double Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and won the Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. He insists that anyone else doing business with the name is trying to profit off his hard work.
It is very unlikely however that Tesfaye will be looking in Starboy Entertainment’s direction, since the record label was founded as far back as 2013 and the brand name has been in use long before the
Starboy album.
Nigeria’s Starboy
Wizkid’s
Starboy Entertainment currently has Maleek Berry, producers Uzezi Oniko and Okiemute Oniko, popularly known as Legendary Beatz, recording artistes L.A.X Efya, R2Bees, and Mr Eazi signed on, and has released his hit song,
Caro, and many other songs nder the label.
It is important to note that Wizkid and his
Starboy Entertainment achieved international recognition following his
One Dance song with Drake, which topped charts in fifteen countries, reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has sold out his shows and tours in different continents.
The Weeknd’s action goes to underscore the importance of copyright in the entertainment industry and the consequences of infringing on those rights.
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This article was first published on 5th April 2018
akwaowowillie
Akwaowo Willie is a social media consultant for several businesses including SMEs and Startups. He is also an entrepreneur and writer with interests in entertainment, media, fashion, among others. He is married, with 2 adorable children.
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