The entertainment world is a global village now, with artists from Lagos vibing with producers in London and dropping tracks that blow up in New York. But going global also means navigating a legal minefield—that's where entertainment lawyers become your best friends (or at least, your essential business partners). They’re like the seasoned tour guides of the legal world, making sure you don't accidentally step on any international landmines.

These legal eagles ensure you're playing by the rules of the game in every territory, handling everything from copyright regulations (so you don't accidentally sample someone's grandma's lullaby without permission) to taxation policies (because nobody wants tax trouble, trust me) and local content standards (making sure your music video isn't banned for accidentally featuring a sacred goat or something. 

You've heard the stories, right? Artists battling over royalties, getting tied up in bad contracts, losing control of their own work. It's a painful reality, and it's something we need to talk about, especially as we navigate the ever-evolving music scene of 2025.

Recently, Darkoo accused Peter of P-square of taking down her music video on YouTube— an accusation Peter and his management have subsequently debunked. This music sampled P-square’s Gimme Dat and the video is reminiscent of  P-square’s style.  Imagine how much of these would have been avoided if a proper negotiation had been met. These are the types of pitfalls having an entertainment lawyer can save you from in 2025.

Contracts Negotiation and Drafting

Entertainment lawyers save you from the headache of complex music contracts— whether you're getting into one or getting out. Moreover, as streaming, licensing, and global collaborations continue to grow in 2025, agreements are more intricate than ever. Artists often find themselves dealing with diverse revenue streams—royalties, merchandise, digital rights, endorsements—making expert legal guidance essential. Without it, you risk signing unfavourable deals that can stifle your career and financial growth.

A good entertainment lawyer ensures contracts are not only legally sound but also fair. They fight for:

• Fair Profit Sharing: Securing equitable distribution of earnings.

• Creative Control: Protecting your right to make artistic decisions.

• Protection from Exploitation: Safeguarding against unfair practices, especially concerning future intellectual property rights.

Several high-profile cases illustrate the importance of legal counsel:

• Wizkid vs. EME Records and Kiss Daniel (now Kizz Daniel) vs. G-worldwide: These disputes highlighted the need for lawyers in renegotiating artist-label agreements. With legal help, Wizkid successfully exited his deal and gained control of his career. Similarly, Kizz Daniel was able to transition into building a thriving career after a publicized contract breach and court case with his former label over his copyrighted name “Kiss Daniel”.. 

• Tiwa Savage's Transition: Entertainment lawyers played a key role in structuring Tiwa Savage's smooth departure from Mavin Records and securing her groundbreaking international deal with Universal Music Group.

• The Kooks vs. Dastoor (2008): This case involved the band The Kooks and their former manager, who claimed a share of their earnings based on a verbal agreement. The court ruled in favour of The Kooks, emphasising the critical importance of written agreements in business—especially in the music industry. Relying on "handshake deals" can lead to serious problems down the line.

• Elton John vs. Dick James Music Ltd. (1990): This case centered on royalty payments, with Elton John suing his former manager and publishing company. The court ruled in John's favour, emphasising the importance of transparent and fair royalty agreements and clear contract terms.

These examples, both contemporary and historical, underscore the vital role of entertainment lawyers in protecting artists' rights and ensuring they receive fair compensation for their work.

Copyright and IP rights 

This is the crux of many cases nowadays as sampling and interpolation are increasingly common in music today. Remember Burna Boy's use of Toni Braxton, Davido sampling Brenda Fassie, or Wizkid interpolating King Sunny Ade and more recently, Darkoo sampling P-Square? This highlights how much the entertainment industry relies on intellectual property (IP), covering everything from music and film scripts to brand trademarks and online content.

In Nigeria, the Copyright Act (specifically Section 1) offers important protections for various creative works, including literary, artistic, musical, and cinematographic works. Copyright law gives artists the legal tools to prevent unauthorized use, reproduction, and distribution of their music, acting as a safeguard against exploitation. Sections 14 and 15 further protect artists' "moral rights" (ensuring proper attribution and safeguarding the integrity of their work) and the right to fair compensation for the economic value they create.

However, creators face ongoing challenges like unauthorised use of their work, the rise of deepfakes with AI which would only become more prominent in 2025. This is where an entertainment lawyer becomes invaluable. They can help you protect your IP by:

• Filing trademarks, copyrights, and patents.

• Taking legal action against infringers.

• Advising on licensing agreements to ensure you retain ownership while still monetising your work.

Here are a couple of key legal cases that illustrate the importance of protecting IP and having solid contracts:

• BPI vs. Napster (2000): The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) sued Napster, a file-sharing service, for copyright infringement. The core issue was whether Napster was facilitating illegal sharing of music. The court ruled in favour of the BPI, forcing Napster to shut down. This landmark case was a major win in the fight against online music piracy and established the legal responsibility of digital platforms to protect IP.

• Matthew Fisher vs. Procol Harum (2000): This case established a precedent for recognising co-authorship in musical compositions. The court ruled that organist Matthew Fisher was entitled to a share of royalties for his contribution to "A Whiter Shade of Pale."

These cases highlight that YOU'LL GET RIPPED if you fail to lawyer up in the entertainment industry. 

Dispute Resolution 

Disputes in the entertainment industry are inevitable, whether they involve contract breaches, intellectual property theft, or defamation. Recently, we have seen Burna Boy charge Speed Darlington to court and Davido suing Dammy Krane. Entertainment lawyers are crucial in resolving such conflicts through mediation or litigation. In 2025, the rise of public-facing social media disputes is imminent, highlighting the need for skilled legal advisors to manage reputational damage alongside legal proceedings. If you don't lawyer up, your career is trailing on the edge of an abyss you might not recover from. 

Brand Partnerships

Even if you're not headlining stadiums yet, these deals matter. Imagine a local Nigerian artist who gets approached by a popular clothing brand for a collaboration. Without a lawyer, they might agree to a deal that sounds good on the surface but ends up giving the brand way too much control over their image or music. Or consider a UK-based Afrobeats artist approached by a streaming platform for an exclusive deal. A lawyer can help them negotiate the best possible terms, ensuring fair compensation and protecting their rights. These are the kinds of deals that can truly boost an artist's career, but only if they're structured properly.

This is where entertainment lawyers come in to help you avoid getting ripped.  They serve as strategic advisors helping you structure deals that align with your long-term goals. They’re the ones whispering smart business moves in your ear, helping you navigate the treacherous waters of brand partnerships and even explore investment opportunities. 

Conclusion 

We know now more than ever,  artists are becoming full-blown entrepreneurs, managing their own brands and businesses. Therefore, having a lawyer who understands both the legal and business sides of the industry is a total game-changer. They're the ones who can help you avoid those "oops, I signed what?!" moments that can haunt artists for years. They'll help you  secure IP rights, manage disputes, and secure profitable deals. So, even if you’re just starting out, don't wait until a problem arises, invest in an entertainment lawyer now and protect your hustle. It's not an expense; it's an investment in your career. 

Robin Uzoma Okechuckwu better known as RobingBanks is set to unveil his latest single, “Bigger Than Your Aura (BTYA),” an energetic track that not only signals a fresh era in his music journey but also serves as an introduction to his forthcoming EP, “First Light”. 

Slated for release on the 13th November, “BTYA” delivers a powerful message: Your potential, growth, and purpose are far greater than any external energy or perception. 

With “Bigger Than Your Aura,” RobingBanks explores the concept of growth, resilience, and self-realization. 

The track embodies his creative evolution, hinting at the deeper themes that define “First Light”, a project that promises to shine a new perspective on his artistry. 

Expect a bold, raw, and undeniable sound—a sonic warning that RobingBanks is ready to step into a new chapter. 

As he is set to release “BTYA”, he’s inviting listeners to witness the dawn of something monumental.

“Bigger Than Your Aura” will be available on all major streaming platforms. 

Stay tuned and be ready for RobingBanks to cast his first light