In a significant win for Mohammed Ismail Sherif, better known as Black Sherif, the High Court at Adenta issued a decisive ruling on November 16, 2023, dismissing a legal action brought against the artist by Cruise People Ltd.
The legal contention revolved around an alleged violation of a performance contract that would have featured Black Sherif’s talents on a Cruise Ship in Athens, Greece, on August 19, 2023.
The disagreement arose when Cruise People Ltd., led by promoter Daniel Vanderpuje, unilaterally terminated the contract prior to the scheduled performance, citing publicity breaches as the primary reason. This move prompted Vanderpuje to seek the return of a $20,000 deposit from Black Sherif’s team, initiating a heated legal confrontation.
Black Sherif’s legal representatives, including Dominic Brenya-Otchere esq., Kenneth Paa Kwesi Agyir esq., and Esther Addai esq. of Sam Okudzeto and Associates, strategically argued that the dispute resolution clause within the contract explicitly designated the United Kingdom as the exclusive venue for settling conflicts. This pivotal argument formed the foundation for their application to dismiss the lawsuit.
The High Court, under the guidance of an insightful judge, agreed with Black Sherif’s legal team, stressing that the subject matter of the dispute lacked a close connection to Ghana. The judge highlighted that both parties, by agreeing to the dispute resolution clause, essentially indicated their preference for resolving any conflicts arising from the contract in the UK. Consequently, the court ruled in favor of Black Sherif, striking out the plaintiff’s writ and statement of claim.
At present, Black Sherif is no longer embroiled in a legal struggle over the Cruise People Ltd. contract. A source in proximity to the artist suggested that should Cruise People Ltd. opt to pursue legal action through the appropriate channels, Black Sherif’s legal team is prepared to counterclaim for the full contract sum, interest, and damages due to the breach of contract.
