Tanzanian musician Harmonize has announced that he is preparing to take legal action against his former record label, Wasafi Records.
The artist claims that the label has been withholding his music royalties since he left the company, despite paying the exit fee.
Harmonize has accused Wasafi Records of partnering with a music distributing company, Mziiki to deny him access to his Intellectual Property (IP) rights and royalties. The artist expressed his frustration in an Instagram post, stating that he has been struggling to get what is rightfully his from the label.
“I have done them no wrong. It’s been a hustle trying to get what is rightfully mine from them so I can feed my family just like they do with their families. Why would they deny me access to my Intellectual Property rights (IP), and continue to collect money from my IPs on my behalf while at it?” Harmonize wrote.
The musician revealed that he is working with his lawyers to finalize details for the legal battle. He has also sought assistance from Tanzania’s newly appointed Assistant Minister for Culture and Arts, Mwana FA, to help him get his royalties.
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Harmonize’s claims come as no surprise, as the artist has been critical of the music industry’s treatment of artists in the past. Two weeks ago, he launched a series of long Instagram rants in which he revealed that he has never received a penny from his music in the seven years he has been active in the industry. The artist stated that someone had been reaping off his hard work and that he was now going after his money.
“Lol I need them Back Remember I have one daughter I’m here for her Future I need Good Life 2 worked so hard to be here,” Harmonize wrote.
Diamond Platinumz, the owner of Wasafi Records, has defended the label’s practices, stating that the company invests in artists by financing their music and shows. However, Harmonize’s claims suggest that the label may not fulfill its obligations to its artists.