Burna Boy Accused: Konga Claims 60% Earnings Over Song Sampling

Veteran Musician Konga Demands Significant Royalties from Burna Boy’s “Update”

Veteran Nigerian singer Lawal Olalekan Olumo, widely recognized by his stage name Konga, has asserted his claim to a substantial 60 per cent of the earnings generated by Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, professionally known as Burna Boy, from the song “Update.” Konga alleges that his musical material was sampled without his prior consent or any subsequent acknowledgement.

During an appearance on the “Hits Don’t Lie” podcast, Konga articulated his grievances, stating that Burna Boy failed to initiate any contact with him, either before or after the incorporation of his work into “Update.” He further highlighted that despite publicly addressing the issue several months ago, no resolution has been reached.

Konga drew a parallel to Burna Boy’s prior collaboration with American singer Toni Braxton on the hit song “Last Last.” In that instance, Konga pointed out, Burna Boy reportedly agreed to a 60 per cent royalty split for sampling Braxton’s music. This precedent, according to Konga, raises questions about why a similar arrangement was not extended to him.

“If Toni Braxton is having 60% royalty of Last Last, why can’t he do the same thing to come and meet me first, talk to me?” Konga questioned, emphasizing the perceived disparity in treatment.

Awaiting Dialogue and Exploring Options

Despite his strong claims, Konga revealed that he has thus far refrained from pursuing legal action. This decision stems from his profound respect for Burna Boy and his significant contributions to the global promotion of African music. Konga acknowledged Burna Boy’s influence and the positive impact he has had on the international music scene.

However, this is not the first time Konga has raised concerns about Burna Boy’s use of his material. He claimed that Burna Boy had previously incorporated his lyrics into the remix of “Sungba,” a collaboration with fellow artist Asake. This earlier instance, coupled with a previous unaddressed request for a musical collaboration on his own song, “Kabakaba,” has led Konga to adopt a different approach.

In response to what he perceives as a pattern of being overlooked, Konga stated that he has now decided to employ a similar tactic, choosing to sample Burna Boy’s work without seeking permission. This retaliatory approach, he suggests, is a direct consequence of his prior attempts at engagement being met with silence.

The ongoing dispute underscores the complexities surrounding music sampling and intellectual property rights within the music industry. As the situation unfolds, the music community will be watching to see how Burna Boy’s team responds to Konga’s demands and whether a mutually agreeable resolution can be reached. The veteran artist’s stance highlights the importance of proper clearance and fair compensation for original creators whose work forms the foundation for new musical creations.