African singer Manu Dibango is asking Michael Jackson and Rihanna to pay him 500,000 euros for allegedly sampling his song without permission.
- Feb 4, 2009
AceShowbiz - African singer Manu Dibango is suing both Michael Jackson and Rihanna for allegedly using his song without permission. He filed the legal document in a Paris court on Tuesday, February 3.
Manu and Michael have reached an agreement upon Michael using part of Manu's 1972 track "Soul Makossa" for Michael's 1983 single "Wanna Be Startin' Something". But, Manu is apparently upset when Rihanna borrowed the same portion of his song and only asked Michael's permission without bothering to contact him as the original owner.
In this stage, Manu is seeking 500,000 euros or approximately 650,000 dollars in damages. Up to date, representatives for both Michael and Rihanna could not be reached for comment.
In the meantime, Manu's Paris-based lawyers have reportedly asked the French court to block record labels Sony BMG, EMI and Warner Music Group from receiving any income from Michael Jackson and Rihanna's singles until the matter is settled. A judge will decide on February 17 whether to allow the case to be heard or not.
