Legal dispute over Dhario Primero’s music catalog returns to U.S. courts

A new legal dispute over the musical legacy of legendary Dominican singer-songwriter Dhario Primero has emerged in the United States, reigniting a family conflict over the ownership, administration, and control of the artist’s catalog.

The case centers on a disagreement among the artist’s nine children regarding who has the legal authority to manage his musical works. The latest court action follows a favorable ruling obtained earlier this year by Dhario Primero’s eldest children—Ranphys Ortiz, Dario Jr. Ortiz, and Raphael Primero—through RR Entertainment Music Corp., after a court dismissed a previous lawsuit filed against them on January 5.

The dispute has now been reopened with new claims presented before a U.S. federal court. A hearing has been scheduled for June 18, when the court is expected to begin reviewing the arguments and evidence related to the administration and rights associated with the artist’s catalog.

The eldest siblings have maintained that they will continue defending what they describe as their father’s legacy, arguing that their authority stems from agreements established in 2008 through which Dhario Primero arranged the transfer and management of his musical works.

RR Entertainment Music Corp. reiterated that any authorization, transaction, or communication concerning the artist’s catalog should only be considered valid if issued directly by the corporation. The company also stated that the same administrative structure governs the catalog of composer Rafael Américo Reynoso.

According to the corporation, all official information and documentation related to Dhario Primero are centralized through the artist’s official website. It also noted that his music is currently unavailable on digital streaming platforms and that there are no active official social media accounts associated with the artist.

As the legal proceedings move forward, the dispute is expected to determine who ultimately holds the authority to manage and preserve one of the Dominican Republic’s most significant musical legacies.