Exclusive : Reggae Legend Max Romeo Files US$15 Million Lawsuit Against Universal Music Over Unpaid Royalties - DancehallMag
▻https://www.dancehallmag.com/2023/10/03/news/exclusive-reggae-legend-max-romeo-files-us15-million-lawsuit-against-u
The two agreements promised 25% from all sums received for the recordings, and 50% publishing on the compositions, but Romeo has alleged that UMG and Polygram, who gained control of Island Records and Island Music through a series of acquisitions and mergers, have failed to pay him what he’s owed since 1976.
Speaking with DancehallMag on Monday, Romeo said: “I have never been paid, I can’t say much about it. It is being taken care of…so I don’t want to talk too much about the subject. Maybe in a couple of months from now, you can call me back, and we can discuss it openly, so hopefully it will be resolved.”
The singer, whose real name is Maxwell Smith, further elaborated on the complexities of the situation, stating, “Apart from mechanical rights and performing rights, in some aspects, there were no royalties. I haven’t received a dollar from the major part of the publishing. It is a complicated thing.”
Via son explication sur réseau :
▻https://www.facebook.com/maxromeoofficial/posts/pfbid0qSShGXUZuaQPBzQbNjeFGdEWQEGh5B6dWLci6pkfEnV2mf2CckwMAHbgEHSiBDNfl
Firstly, I want to thank everyone who has reached out and sent their support regarding my current legal pursuits.
Many Jamaican singers and songwriters have faced the same injustice I have from the people who promised to take our music across barriers, and as soon as the music gets there, we are pushed to the side and disregarded.
After 47 years, I have exhausted every resource available to me to get this matter rectified. I had to sit on the side as my most eminent piece of work was exploited without proper compensation. I have seen and heard my music and voice being used in numerous commercial ventures and have only reaped from the opportunity to perform these songs for my fans live in concert.
Lee Scratch Perry was a genius and I am eternally grateful for the work he has put into making this project what it was - we worked together to create a genre defining body of work that has transcended generations. I have the utmost respect for him, hence I must clarify that he had absolutely nothing to do with this lawsuit and the abuse I have received from Island Records.
At 78 years old, I cannot enter this new phase of my life being docile and silent, I have to speak up, I have to fight for what is rightfully mine with whatever strength left in me. I have to do this for the new generation to come, to raise awareness as I am often addressed as a “legend” or a “veteran” a title I take with great pride. This matter is now in the hands of the court and I will not be commenting on it any further.
– A little man from rural St. Ann fighting the biggest recording label in the world in the Supreme Court of the United States of America.
#musique #reggae #Max_Romeo #Island_Records #exploitation