Litigation erupts between former members of the group Orisha

June 17, 2021

José María Canal, artistic representative of singers Hiram Riverí Medina (Ruzzo) and Roldán González Rivero has declared that the differences between the former members of the popular Cuban group Orishas have increased to the point that the three could face each other in court. They have called Yotuel Romero a thief and scammer.

The representative is part of the Spanish company Staff 69 Producciones, and in his interview he began by denying that Ruzzo and Roldán have released any song against 'Patria y Vida', in reference to the musical theme 'Cuba', in which both artists participate.

Canal is preparing a lawsuit against Yotuel for more than one million dollars since Yotuel Romero maintains the legal rights over the name of the group and conducts business without informing his fellow group members. He has also stated that when Orishas held concerts together, Yotuel paid the other members 192 euros per concert, while paying himself 40,000 euros per presentation of the trio.

Also pending payment are the royalties from the movie Furious 8 valued at approximately $300,000 as well as the royalties from all songs published on digital platforms and concerts.

"The only thing we are asking him is to pay what he owes and from there we will sit down to negotiate. Hopefully we can reach a friendly negotiation, but if not we will go all the way. A judge will be the one to rule which company will have the rights to Orishas. We have recordings where Yotuel says he is a former member of the group therefore, I can present the evidence," Canal warned.

These days "Roldán and Ruzzo are in the studio producing an album with Ariel de Cuba. The album will be released under the name Orishas because obviously they are members" despite having received warnings from Yotuel's lawyers and Chancleta Records and other companies for using the name".