Youssou Ndour's label sues musical rights watchdog in Senegal

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2007

DAKAR (AFP) — Senegalese singer Youssou Ndour's record label is suing the nation's copyright watchdog for allowing Internet firms to offer music for phone ring tones without his permission, lawyers said Wednesday.

Mbaye Jacques Ndiaye, lawyer for the Jololi label, said he had lodged a petition against the BSDA, the bureau of artists' rights in Senegal, which signed contracts with four local service providers to sell music by 13 Senegalese singers.

He accused BSDA of penning the contracts in return for royalties for which the artists were not paid.

He estimated that the four service providers paid an average 120 million CFA francs (250 million dollars, 180 million euros) per month.

The case is set for hearing at a Dakar court on Monday.

BSDA...