The High Court (Commercial Division) has dismissed most of the claims brought against internationally acclaimed Ghanaian musician Black Sherif by his former management company, Charvis Wayne’s Consult, effectively bringing their long-running legal dispute to an end.
The judgment, delivered today in the case of Shadrach Owusu Agyei v. Mohammed Ismail Sherif, was presided over by Her Ladyship Justice Afia Adu-Amankwa.
In her ruling, the court found that while a management agreement did exist between the parties, the plaintiff failed to provide sufficient evidence to substantiate the majority of allegations made against the artiste.
Charvis Wayne’s Consult had accused Black Sherif of retaining revenue, failing to account for earnings, and causing financial losses under the management agreement. However, the court held that these claims were not supported by credible evidence.
The judge further noted that the plaintiff failed to render full accounts as required under the agreement and did not demonstrate continued performance of contractual obligations following the termination of the relationship.
Claims relating to construction works and other expenditures allegedly undertaken on behalf of Black Sherif were also rejected, with the court citing a lack of proof.
Additionally, the court found that the plaintiff did not take reasonable steps to mitigate any losses said to have arisen after the agreement ended.
On the issue of breach of contract, the court ruled that Black Sherif’s engagement with a third party while the management agreement was still in force amounted to a technical breach.
However, Justice Adu-Amankwa emphasized that no substantial loss was proven to have resulted from this breach.
Consequently, the court awarded nominal damages of GHS 50,000, reflecting the limited nature of the infringement.
All other reliefs sought by the plaintiff were dismissed. The court also awarded costs of GHS 15,000, restricted to reasonable expenses and legal representation.
The ruling brings finality to the dispute, with the court clearly rejecting the bulk of claims advanced against the award-winning musician and confirming that no significant liability arose from the matter.
Black Sherif, born Mohammed Ismail Sherif, is expected to continue focusing on his music career and international engagements as he maintains his growing presence on the global stage representing Ghanaian music.
