By Barbara Gayle—
KINGSTON, Jamaica:
A multimillion-dollar lawsuit brought against reggae artist Tony Rebel and his company is now being heard in the Supreme Court.
Musician and composer Wayne Lattibeaudiere popularly known as Jah Wayne has sued Tony Rebel for using his music without crediting him.
Jah Wayne claims that Rebel breached his copyright in relation to the composition ‘Going Home’ that was released by Rebel under the title ‘La La Bella’.
Jah Wayne is contending that he wrote the composition for the song in 1996.
He is also suing Rebel’s record label Flame Production Incorporation Limited.
The suit was filed in 1999 but is just being heard in The Home Circuit Court by judge Kirk Anderson.
Lattibeaudeare was cross examined by attorney-at-law Garth Mcbean today who is representing Tony Rebel.
Jah Wayne is claiming that he was the composer and without this authorisation, Tony Rebel caused the rhythm to be broadcasted, distributed, sold or published without identifying him as the composer.
He is asking the Court to rule that he is the composer and owner of the copyright of the musical composition, Going Home, otherwise known as La La Bella.
He is asking the Court to make an order for the registrar of the Supreme Court to take an account to determine the amount of profit made by the defendant.
He is also asking for an order that the defendant published in newspaper locally and overseas that he is the composer.
Rebel has denied the claim and is saying he created it on his own and it is his composition.
Jah Wayne is being represented by attorney-at-law Catherine Minto.