Reggae artist Tony Rebel in legal showdown

Tony Rebel will face a critical hearing in the Supreme Court in downtown Kington early next month.

The May 7 hearing could result in Rebel having to shell out millions to a composer who claims that the artiste infringed his copyright.

However, if Rebel is successful, he would be allowed to contest the multimillion-dollar lawsuit brought against him by music composer Jah Wayne.

Garth McBean, the attorney representing Tony Rebel, told the Jamaica Observer yesterday that all the relevant documents for the hearing have been filed and that they are "ready to rumble".

Jah Wayne, whose given name is Wayne Lattibeaudiere, is suing Tony Rebel and his company Flame Production Incorporation Limited for breach of copyright in relation to the composition of the Going Home rhythm that was released by Tony Rebel under the title La La Bella.

One of the songs recorded on the rhythm is Ghetto People Song performed by Tony Rebel, whose given name is Patrick Barrett.

Wayne is claiming that he was the composer and without this authorisation, Rebel caused the rhythm to be broadcasted, distributed, sold/published without identifying him as the composer.

In his claim, Wayne is asking the court to rule that he is the composer and owner of the copyright of the musical composition. He is also asking for an order that the defendant publish in newspaper, locally and overseas, that he is the composer.

But Rebel has denied the claim and is contending that he created the rhythm.

The matter went to trial in March but took a dramatic turn, days into the proceedings, when it was discovered that Rebel's defence had been struck out from 2006 because his attorney at the time, who is now deceased, had filed a witness statement late.

However, his current attorney, McBean, filed for what is called relief from sanction. The relief from sanction hearing was set for April but was put off until May 7.

If the relief is granted, the case will be reinstated and he can defend the claim against him. But if it is not, judgement will be entered for the claimant and the matter sent for assessment of damages for a determination to be made on the amount of money Rebel is to pay Wayne.

Jah Wayne is being represented by attorney Catherine Minto.