Premier Records Limited has firmly denied accusations of misappropriating royalties owed to legendary highlife singer Mike Ejeagha.
The record label’s General Manager, Michael Odiong, addressed the allegations during an exclusive interview with Premium Times, following recent claims that the label had failed to pay Ejeagha royalties for several decades.
The controversy emerged after skit maker Chukwuebuka Amuzie, also known as Brain Jotter, used a refrain from Ejeagha’s 1983 hit, ‘Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche,’ in a viral video challenge.
The renewed attention on Ejeagha’s classic song led to accusations against Premier Records of financial impropriety.
Charles Ogbu, a journalist, recently accused Premier Records of defrauding Ejeagha by not paying his royalties since 1980.
However, Odiong refuted these claims, explaining that the label has consistently paid Ejeagha in line with industry standards.
He detailed that royalties are calculated based on quarterly streaming reports, which are sometimes delayed due to the nature of foreign streaming platforms.
“The only outstanding royalties are for the last quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024,” Odiong said. “These payments are pending as we await the final reports and receipts. This delay is common across the industry and not a reflection of our payment practices.”
Odiong also emphasised that the label follows a globally accepted payment structure, with 20% allocated for master recordings and 50% for publishing.
He dismissed the claim that Ejeagha was receiving as little as N30,000 per quarter, stating that the most recent payment was approximately N155,000.
Addressing claims of an 8% royalty rate and unauthorized video production by Ejeagha, Odiong clarified that the artist had previously engaged in legal disputes over a music video production that occurred without the label’s consent.
This resulted in a lawsuit and an eventual out-of-court settlement finalized around 2012-2013.
Odiong also refuted suggestions that Brain Jotter’s viral challenge had led to profit for him at Ejeagha’s expense.
He clarified that Brain Jotter’s use of the music was part of a broader promotional strategy managed by the label and not a breach of copyright.
Odiong detailed that Premier Records signed Ejeagha in the 1960s and renewed his contract in 1972 following the Nigerian Civil War.
The label has since maintained a consistent relationship with Ejeagha, working to ensure fair compensation as streaming and distribution dynamics evolve.
“The latest viral success of ‘Gwo Gwo Ngwo’ will be reflected in future royalty payments. We are committed to ensuring that Ejeagha benefits from the increased visibility of his work,” Odiong noted.
Odiong urged those with concerns or evidence of unpaid royalties to present their claims formally.
He stressed that Premier Records is committed to transparency and has consistently provided detailed payment reports to Ejeagha and his representatives.
“It is vital for individuals to verify facts before making public accusations,” Odiong said.
“We encourage people to conduct thorough research and engage directly with us if they have specific concerns.”
