Master rights are negotiated, not taken: Efe Omorogbe on Mercy Chinwo vs. EeZee Conceptz

Renowned entertainment expert and founder of Now Muzik Group, Efe Omorogbe has weighed in on the ongoing dispute betweengospel artist Mercy Chinwo and her former label, EeZee Conceptz, responding torecent statements by Apostle Anselm Madubuko about his role as mediator in thecase.

He weighs in as a music industry expert and as an individual present at their lastmediation meeting.

Omorogbe, in a video he shared to his instagram page, revealed he was present at amediation meeting held on May 13, 2024, between Mercy Chinwo, EeZee Conceptz,Hilda Dokubo, Apostle Anslem Madubuko, Mena Ajakpovi, representatives of MercyChinwo and Judi Kay (their husbands).

He went on to state that the central issuediscussed during the meeting was a transfer of master rights for music catalogues.According to Omorogbe, master rights traditionally reside with record labels and canonly be transferred through a negotiated buyout, not through coercion or force.

“Master rights are typically owned by the label under standard industryagreements,”Omorogbe stated.”If an artist wants to acquire these rights, theymust follow proper procedures.

This includes conducting a valuation of the catalogue, making an offer to the label, and negotiating fair agreement.

Forcing a label to relinquish master rights is not in line with global industry practices.”Omorogbe addressed Apostle Madubuko’s recent claims that EeZee Conceptzobstructed previous attempts at reconciliation.

While acknowledging the challengesinvolved, he emphasized the importance of respecting contractual agreements andresolving disputes through transparency and professionalism.

He also noted that similar cases have been resolved through negotiation, referencingBurna Boy’s efforts to repurchase his master rights from Aristokrat Records for earlierrecordings in his career.

He stressed that the proper route for the talents is to offer tobuy the master rights at a fair valuation, which EeZee Conceptz can either accept or reject.

The meeting, held at the residence of a prominent reverend, included representativesfrom both parties, gospel artist Judikay, EeZee Conceptz’s legal counsel, and veteranactress Hilda Dokubo.

Omorogbe stated that he attended the meeting to providecontext and share insights on resolving disputes within the industry.

He concluded by saying: “This is an issue that can be resolved professionally and amicably. There is no need for compulsion, law enforcement, or undue escalation.

Negotiation is the right path to resolve such matters.”The dispute between Mercy Chinwo, Judi Kay and EeZee Conceptz has sparked significant public interest, with allegations and counter-allegations from both sides regarding financial impropriety, contractual breaches, and ownership of the artist’s music catalogue.