United States, October 8, 2023 – Olawale Babalola, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the United States-based company Fathia Entertainment, is currently embroiled in a dispute with the management of Marlian Music over an alleged breach of contract concerning a planned US tour for Zinoleesky, an artist on Marlian Music’s roster.
In an interview with Sunday Scoop, Babalola revealed that his company had a contractual agreement with Zinoleesky for a US tour. He claimed to have procured the necessary documents, including a visa for the artist. However, Babalola expressed frustration with the actions of Zinoleesky and Marlian Music. According to him, Zinoleesky left Nigeria for Puerto Rico without his consent, which he considered a breach of their contract. As the tour’s commencement date approached, Babalola claimed that he repeatedly asked Marlian Music, particularly their manager Gabby, about their arrival in the US, but received no response.
Babalola further explained that, due to the controversy surrounding Mohbad’s death and the negative publicity Marlian Music was receiving, the record label contacted him just three days before the tour’s start date, requesting a postponement. This posed logistical challenges as tickets had already been sold, and independent promoters engaged for the tour were pressing for answers. Babalola asserted that he didn’t intend to sue Marlian Music for damages but had asked them to refund the payments he had made, which included a $45,000 deposit for the tour, $15,000 for visas, and $6,500 for Zinoleesky’s business class ticket. He claims to have receipts for all these payments.
However, Marlian Records countered these claims, arguing that it was Fathia Entertainment that cancelled the tour. According to Gabby, Marlian Music’s Diaspora manager, their contract stipulated that deposits would be forfeited in the event of sudden cancellation by the promoter (Fathia Entertainment). She emphasized that the cancellation was not the fault of Zinoleesky and cited the promoter’s decision to cancel.
Gabby also expressed disappointment that Fathia Entertainment did not notify the artist or his team of their intention to cancel the tour. She mentioned that Marlian Music had initially suggested postponing the tour due to the tragic death of Mohbad, a former signee of the label. However, Gabby claimed that Fathia Entertainment proceeded to book more dates, showing insensitivity to the situation.
In response to these counterclaims, Babalola argued that they were forced to cancel the show after Marlian Music requested a postponement just four days before the tour’s scheduled start.
The dispute between Fathia Entertainment and Marlian Music underscores the complexities of contractual agreements within the entertainment industry and the challenges faced when unforeseen circumstances arise. The outcome of this disagreement remains uncertain as both parties stand by their respective positions.