Shaboozey, the artist behind the chart-topping hit "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," is embroiled in a legal battle with his former music publisher, Warner Chappell, and his old label, Kreshendo Entertainment. The conflict underscores the troubling practices within the music industry, where major labels and publishers often exert monopolistic control, stifling independent artists and making it difficult for them to break free from restrictive contracts.
In the lawsuit filed on August 21, Shaboozey, whose real name is Collins Obinna Chibueze, alleges that Warner Chappell has prevented him from exiting a publishing administration deal with Kreshendo Entertainment, even though he terminated his publishing agreement with the label back in 2019. This legal struggle comes at a time when Shaboozey should be celebrating his success, with "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" dominating the charts for seven weeks.
Instead of relishing his achievements, Shaboozey finds himself facing a countersuit from Kreshendo, filed just days after his initial lawsuit. The label claims they retain key rights to his music and accuse Shaboozey of attempting to defraud them out of the contractual rights they allegedly hold. According to Kreshendo, they invested time and money in Shaboozey's early career when he was still an unknown artist, and now they want to reap the benefits of that investment.
Kreshendo’s attorneys argue that Shaboozey had no issues with the terms of his agreements for years and only raised objections after "A Bar Song" became a massive hit. The label asserts that they are entitled to a 50 percent stake in all of Shaboozey's compositions and a percentage of profits from his masters, claiming these were terms he had agreed to long ago.
This dispute highlights a broader issue within the music industry, where major labels and publishers often wield disproportionate power over artists. These companies frequently use their influence to lock artists into long-term contracts that are difficult to escape, even when those contracts become detrimental to the artist's career. Shaboozey's case is a stark reminder of how these business practices can crush independent artists, limiting their creative freedom and financial independence.
As the music industry continues to evolve, the need for fairer treatment of artists is becoming increasingly urgent. Shaboozey's legal battle is not just a personal fight but also a reflection of the larger struggle faced by many artists trying to navigate a system that often prioritizes profit over creativity. Independent artists like Shaboozey deserve the opportunity to thrive without being bound by oppressive contracts, and this case could set an important precedent for others in the industry.
