We’re Surprised Embarrassed By GTBank’s Actions

The management of popular record label Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) have finally made an official response to the on-going controversy surrounding whether or not their act, pop singer Wizkid  was billed to perform at the GTCrea8 eSavers Campus Concert  which took place at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB) and was organized by GTBank.

EME in a press statement released today Friday, November 25, 2011 said that they are ‘surprised, shocked and embarrassed by the unlawful exploitation of the name, image, goodwill and personae of the artist Wizkid without their permission’.

Nigerian Entertainment Today had reported that GTBank, organizers of the campus show had earlier announced on Monday November 19, via Twitter, that the pop act would be performing at the convocation grounds of the school’s campus on November 23. The show as announced was to take place from 3PM to 6PM. Wizkid never turned up.

‘The flagrant misrepresentation and unlawful exploitation of Wizkid’s name and image by Guaranty Trust Bank has caused significant distress to Wizkid and EME as the artist has been accused by various fans, of not honouring a show for which he was purportedly paid millions of naira’, Wizkid’s management, who claim he was never contacted for the event, say.

Earlier today, our reporter paid a visit to the corporate Headquarters of GTBank and was met by an official who says the bank is yet to release an official press statement but will do so in matter of days.

A manager who pleaded for anonymity told us the bank’s position will be made public ‘soon’.

Meanwhile, we’re told EME may be pressing charges, depending on the outcome of talks with the bank.

The statement, signed by Wizkid’s manager Osagie Osarenkhoe mentions that the label has contacted their lawyers L & A- Legal Consultants who are in talks already with the GTBank.

EME PRESS RELEASE 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, THURSDAY NOVEMBER 24TH 2011

The artist “Wizkid” and the management of Empire Mates Entertainment Limited (EME) are surprised, shocked and embarrassed by the unlawful exploitation of the name, image, goodwill and personae of the artist “Wizkid” without their permission through Guaranty Trust Bank’s unlawfully misrepresentation to the general public that “Wizkid” was billed to perform at the GTCREA8 ESAVERS CONCERT which was slated  for  Wednesday, 23rd November 2011 at the Convocation Grounds, University of Abeokuta, (UNAAB) Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The management of EME wishes to state clearly and categorically that it was never consulted or informed of the occurrence of the concert and “Wizkid” was not billed to perform at the said concert. 

Investigation has revealed that the concert was repeatedly tweeted, advertised and posted from and on Guaranty Trust Bank’s official Twitter wall, official Facebook page and the GT Community page of its Official website. This flagrant misrepresentation and unlawful exploitation of “Wizkid’s” name and image by Guaranty Trust Bank has caused significant distress to “Wizkid” and EME as the artist has been accused by various fans, of not honoring a show for which he was purportedly paid millions of naira. EME has briefed its lawyers L & A- Legal Consultants who have brought the matter to the attention of Guaranty Trust Bank.

EME, “BankyW”, “Wizkid” and “Skales” remain committed to providing the best music and entertainment to their numerous loyal fans and friends across the campuses in Nigeria and particularly to the fans at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Signed

Osagie Osarenkhoe

For: Empire Mates Entertainment Limited.