On April 4, 2025, the United States District Court in Manhattan issued an ultimatum to Nigerian Afrobeat star David ‘Davido’ Adeleke, giving him 21 days to respond to a copyright lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed by four Nigerian artists—Martins Chukwuka Emmanuel, Abel Great Umaru, Kelvin Ayodele Campbell, and David Ovhioghena Umaru—accuses Davido of using elements of their 2022 demo track “Work” to create his 2024 song “Strawberry on Ice” without permission.
The case also implicates Sierra Leonean singer Emmerson Amidu Bockarie, who featured on the track, as well as producers and the record label Wynn Records. The artists claim Davido initially agreed to a settlement that included royalties and compensation but failed to honor the deal, prompting legal action.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages of $150,000 along with rights to royalties for the song. The court case has generated significant buzz, with fans and industry insiders watching closely for developments as Davido remains s