Dancehall Artist Khago Wins US$700k In Lawsuit Against Producer Kemar ‘Flava’ McGregor
There was a major shockwave in the reggae music industry last month when a South Florida court awarded Dancehall-Reggae artiste Khago and his management US$763,626 in damages in a counter-suit filed against music producer Kemar “Flava” McGregor, principal of Streaminn Hub Inc.
The judgment was handed down by district judge Jose E Martinez on February 16.
According to documents from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Khago is to receive US$300,000 in statutory damages for copyright infringement; US$99,568.59 in compensatory damages for tortious interference with business relationships; US$298,705.77 in punitive damages for tortious interference with business relationships; and, US$65,352.00 in reasonable expenses and attorney’s fees for a total award of US$763,626.36.
McGregor — retained by Khago’s team to recoup royalties — took the singjay to court for fraud, breach of contract, defamation of character, and copyright infringement in 2018. The row involved Khago’s albums — Spirit, Walk A Mile, and Dancehall Soca.
Efforts to get a comment from producer Kemar ‘Flava’ McGregor proved futile. He is known for singles such as Queen Ifrica’s Daddy, Gyptian’s Mama, and Richie Spice’s Plane Land.
McGregor, who is the owner and chief executive officer of FM Records, has recorded and produced music for the most renowned artists in the music industry, including Sinead O’Connor, Musiq Soulchild, Syleena Johnson, Jon Secada, Maxi Priest, Sizzla, Marcia Griffiths, Beenie Man, Wayne Wonder, Buju Banton, among others.
Khago, whose real name is Ricardo Gayle, first came to national attention when he placed third in the 2006 Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s Popular Song Contest with the song, If You Know.
Four years later, he shot to prominence with Nah Sell Out.
In 2011, Khago was nominated for Best Reggae Act at the Music Of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards.
His other songs include Tun Up Di Ting, Nuh Fren Again, and Nuh Trust.