Manu Dibango takes Michael Jackson and Rihanna to court
February 5, 2009 by AVReporter
Michael Jackson is back in court with Rihanna this time for nicking the hook of African Jazz legend from Cameroon, Manu Dibango. Dibango filed a lawsuit in Paris on Tuesday against both Rihanna and Michael Jackson, claiming the artists have nicked one of his hooks “mama-say mama-sa ma-ma-coo-sa,” a Dual chant from his 1972 classic single “Soul Makossa”.
Dibango references one of the most famous bits in Jackson’s 1983 track, “Wanna Be Startin’ Something.” Jackson had already admitted to borrowing the line, according to the AFP, settling with Dibango out of court, but when Rihanna came calling in 2007, asking to sample Jackson on her song “Don’t Stop the Music”, Jackson agreed – allegedly without contacting Dibango. “Don’t Stop the Music” went on to top the European Hot 100.
Dibango’s is demanding €500,000 in damages and that Sony BMG, EMI and Warner Music be barred from receiving “mama-say mama-sa”-related income until the matter is resolved.
French judges will announce on 17 February whether they will hear the case.
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i’ve always wondered what that meant or where it came from.
thanks for sharing this!
i don’t think ot’s wroug too sue somebody for something that happend 25 years ago and now in 2009 . two years ago rihanna just came along and put a verse form michael’s son wanna be startin something she probaly did’nt mean angthing but now michael jackson is dead so the case is shut down
michael is so fricken alsome dancer + an alsome son writer and singer rip
i love michael jackson and i want to start a career from his inspiration i love human nature and the way u make me feel and smooth criminel i am 9 years old and i am half black i love him so much i love to dance to his music i love music i have a great voice and i do shows i really want to be a singer. R.I.P The best
i lovee michael jackson i want to be a singerr i am 10 years old and i want to be a singer too i do singing shows and i love to dance and sing to human nature and smooth criminal and billie jean i may be young but his music and legacy inspired me i want to be just like him but noone will ever be like him and i just want to say i love you mj and i love to sing i have a greatttttt voiceeee
[...] did not learn his lesson. For, even as he collapsed last week into death, he was facing another suit, in France, alleging that he had passed sampling rights to “Wanna Be Startin’ [...]
Ummmm, WHY? Thats stupid. Ok, MJ is the best now pleaaasssee people stop takin the piss.