Michael Jackson And Rihanna Sued By African Singer Over Song Rights

February 3, 2009 3:21 p.m. EST

Paris, France (CNS) - King of Pop Michael Jackson and R&B songstress Rihanna are being by an African singer over allegedly copying parts of his song to theirs.

Manu Dibango has filed the suit at a Paris court Tuesday, claiming the two music stars stole a hook from his 1972 song "Soul Makossa." A judge will decide on February 17 whether to allow the case to be heard.

Jackson already admitted that he used parts of Dibango's song on his "Wanna be Startin' Something," and had reached a financial settlement.

However, Rihanna also used parts of his song on her 2007 hit single "Please Don't Stop the Music." She obtained Jackson's permission to use the melody on her song, but apparently, she did not contact the original artist.

He is asking 500,000 euros or approximately $650,000 in damages.