Singer Winnie Nwagi and Freeboy have dragged Telecommunications giants MTN Uganda to court over the alleged sale of “Kwata Esimu” song as a caller tune and compesation must be not below 175Million.
According to info we have received, Viva Entertainment Limited in its suit before the Civil Division of High court on behalf of the two music artists claims to have written, produced, published and invested money in the song.
Viva wants court to declare that the sale of Kwata Esimu as a caller tune to the public without authorization or its consent amounts to an infringement of their copyright and unjust enrichment.
The firm contends that despite the popularity of the song, it hasn’t been performed on stage because of the government ban on concerts as part of the measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Through their lawyers of Katende, Ssempebwa and Company Advocates, Viva contends that they had intentions of commercializing the said musical work through exclusive licensing of its use to various corporate entities in Uganda and abroad.
They however, contend that MTN which provides caller tunes to customers at Shs 700 monthly, went ahead to use the song without their consent. Viva now says it is entitled to payment in form of royalties from MTN out of the proceeds from the unlawful sale of their song to the public since 2019.
The company states that due to the said actions, it has suffered anguish and therefore should be compensated with Shs 175 million. They are also seeking a permanent order restraining MTN from the continued illegal sale of their music and to be given 100 per cent royalties as well as costs of the suit. MTN Uganda spokesperson, Rhonah Arinaitwe declined to comment since the matter is already before the court.
The Civil Division registrar, Jameson Karemani has summoned MTN to file their defense within 15 days before the case is fixed for hearing.
