The Cruise People Limited, the company embroiled in a contractual dispute with Ghanaian musician Black Sherif, has officially launched a lawsuit against him for breach of contract.
The suit, filed in the High Court, argues that the musician violated the terms of the agreement, resulting in the cancellation of the Afro Cruise Jam performance, which he was due to perform at in August.
After booking Black Sherif for the cruise event and paying half of his booking fee ($20,000), the plaintiff wanted him to create a video certifying his attendance in the Greece-based event.
However, the artist allegedly failed to deliver the DVD as planned, resulting in the cancellation of the booking and a $18,000 loss for reserving berths on the cruise ship.
According to the event organisers, Black Sherif’s refusal to confirm his presence jeopardised the entire event because his availability was critical to garnering patronage.
They say that this behaviour is a fundamental breach of the agreement and necessitates legal action.
Cruise People Limited is suing for the restoration of the $20,000 booking fee, as well as $18,000 to reimburse lost cabin booking costs.
They are also requesting interest on the $20,000 from April 18, 2023 until the final payment date. In addition, the organisers are claiming $50,000 in lost revenues as a result of the alleged violation of contract.
The plaintiff is seeking the following reliefs:
a. An Order directing the Defendant to pay the Plaintiff USD20,000.00 as part payment of the Defendant’s fee;
c. Interest on the USD20,000.00 from April 18th, 2023 to the date of full payment;
c. An Order directing the Defendant to reimburse the Plaintiff USD18, 000.00 for the money lost in securing the cruise ship accommodations;
d. An Order ordering the Defendant to pay the Plaintiff USD50,000.00 in lost earnings as a result of the Defendant’s breach of the agreement;
e. An Order directing the Defendant to pay the Plaintiff the Ghc65, 000.00 paid to the Multimedia Group for the sole purpose of advertising the Defendant’s video clip which the Defendant refused to provide;
General contract violation damages;
f. Legal fees are included in the costs.
g. Any further reliefs that the Honourable Court deems appropriate.
Background
Mohammed Ismail Sharrif, also known as Black Sherif, was allegedly detained at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on the evening of July 19, 2023.
According to social media reports on Wednesday, the ‘Kweku The Traveller’ musician was escorted from the airport to the Accra police headquarters due to a contractual breach regarding a gig in Greece that he failed to honour.
Sources close to the musician revealed that he had been engaged for the event and had paid a $20,000 deposit.
The singer’s agents agreed to repay the initial deposit rather than face cancellation and lawsuits, but the event organiser insisted on being reimbursed $50,000 instead.
The demand was deemed unjust and contradictory with the initial agreement by Black Sherif’s agents.
Daniel Vanderpuye, CEO of Cruise People Limited, insisted that a promotional video was part of Black Sherif’s commitments.
Despite the artist’s failure to submit the footage, his team stated that they were willing to make any necessary revisions or proposals to the agreement.
As the legal proceedings progress, both sides await a decision that will determine how this tragic odyssey will end.
The case’s implications may have broader implications for the Ghanaian music industry, and it has already generated talks about contractual standards and professionalism in the industry.