Alleged Song Theft: Victor Uwaifo To Sue Simi Over ‘Joromi’

Nigerian music veteran, Sir Victor Uwaifo, has accused singer Simisola Bolatito Ogunleye, otherwise known as Simi, for stealing the title of his song ‘Joromi’.

Uwaifo revealed this while speaking in an interview with Sahara Reporters at the Annual General Meeting of Copyright Society of Nigeria COSON, held at Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja, Lagos State.

The former Edo state commissioner for arts and culture, said Simi failed to credit him after the release of her 2017 ‘Joromi’ version of the hit track.

The ex-commissioner, described copyright and Intellectual property theft as a serious crime in Nigeria, adding that it must be dealt with as it is damaging the creativity of new generation musicians.

Uwaifo’s recognition wheeled when his song ‘Joromi’ became a hit upon release in 1969.

The legendry musician recalled how he sued Pepsi for N500million for using one of his songs in one of its adverts without following the due process. He said, “Pepsi used my song ‘Arabade, “I’m suing Pepsi for N500million; the case is already at the Federal High Court in Benin.”

Speaking about the song Joromi, he said: “Copyright is a very serious business and the contravention of copyright laws is more serious than you can imagine.

“Most people still believe that someone can just pick somebody’s work, which we call intellectual property right, and use it for his own benefit of the detriment of the composer, the man who actually created the work.”

When asked if he was going to sue Simi, Uwaifo said: “One after the other. I cannot just take everybody to court at the same time. I don’t know whether he or she; I know she is, but I know somebody is behind it.

“An LP was sent as a compliment; I’m still looking at it, but they were planning to come to Benin to see me; up till now, they haven’t come, so I’m just putting that one on hold. ‘Joromi’ is a franchise; the name never existed before. Benin don’t have “J” in their language; if any started with ‘J’ in Benin then it is fake.

“All consonant words start with vowel sounds. For example, if I use the trademark of one of these soft drinks, it is wrong. So, Simi is in trouble.”