Ahmedu Augustine Obiabo, popularly known as Blackface, has sued the duo of Wizkid and Banky W over alleged intellectual property theft.

In the suit which was filed on Tuesday, August 14, Blackface is seeking a declaration that ‘Slow Whine’, a song on Wizkid’s debut ‘Superstar’ album which was released on June 2011 is a reproduction of  ‘Like The Way’, a record he put out in April 2010.

Blackface claims that the vocal rhythm, melodic progression and lyrical content of the principal parts of Wizkid’s song were lifted from his music.

Blackface is seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Wizkid and Banky W from performing ‘Slow Whine’ for any commercial purpose as well as an order stopping the marketing, distribution or any commercialization of Wizkid’s ‘Superstar’ album, because the disputed song is on it.

Blackface also requested that the court awards him ₦40 million as damages for ‘musical plagiarism’ and infringement of his recording. The ‘Hard Life’ crooner also sought an order awarding him additional exemplary damages of ₦60 million, pursuant to Section 15 (4) (a) of the Copyright Act of Nigeria.

He is also seeking an award of two million naira as costs of the lawsuit. In total, the former Plantashun Boiz member is suing for ₦102 million.

Blackface said he has chosen to file the lawsuit because many people have infringed on his right as an artiste.

He said: “I have remained quiet while my name has been dragged in the mud the past few years. Some of Nigeria’s biggest artists have infringed on my copyrights but I always restricted myself from speaking out against this in the media.

“Maybe it’s because I always felt that music is an art and not really a business where you bring in lawyers and all that. That’s why I couldn’t believe when I was sued for ₦50m by the same people who stole my intellectual property.

“I have nothing personal against Wizkid & Banky. In fact I can say I groove to both their music, but the fact is that they stole my song in 2011 and there’s clear evidence to prove it. We’ll allow the Court to decide.”

Blackface and Loudhouz Entertainment Limited are listed as plaintiffs in the suit while Empire Mates Entertainment, Starboy Entertainment, Wizkid and Banky W are the defendants.