Musa Keys wins case against Electromode record label

06/11/2023

Musa Makamu wins case against Electromode record label. The musician whose real name is Musa Makamu signed a distribution deal with the label on April 4, 2021, but he was slapped with a bill of over R700 000 for allegedly breaching the contract in 20233.

The distribution agreement was meant to come to an end after 36 months, with an option for the musician to renew it for 12 months. According to Sunday World, Musa Keys reportedly breached the terms and conditions of the contract he gave a notice to cancel the agreement on May 3 2022.

The high court in Johannesburg ruled that Electromode/Ingrooves should pay Musa Keys R463 050.30. In terms of a counter application, Musa Keys’ notice of cancellation was found to be invalid. He is also obliged to comply with his obligations in terms of the exclusive distribution agreement dated April 4 2021.

Musa Keys was ordered to provide Electromode/Ingrooves with their sound recordings, cinematographic films, album cover artwork, and any other artwork or images in terms of the distribution agreement.

“Digital information [metadata] conveying information regarding any of the sound recordings and/or cinematographic films, such as the names of the artists, authors and composers, the artist biography, the title of the album, the name of the song, the name of the record company,” read the papers.

“The description of the album, the lyrics of the songs, the track and album pricing information, concert information, music genre, and such other elements as may be required by the [Electromode/Ingroves] respondent for the digital distribution thereof by the respondent in terms of the distribution agreement.”

Electromode was ordered to pay legal costs for both parties but the initial relief claim was dismissed.