Reggae duo Chaka Demus and Pliers are suing International recording label Universal Music Group for a whopping (J$860 million) US $10 million in unpaid royalties and trademark infringement.

According to ABC News the suit was filed this week by the reggae duo's lawyers claiming that Universal Music Group, misappropriated and diverted monies owed to the act that had major hits, including Murder She Wrote, Tease Me and Twist and Shout.

The suit, ABC News says, was filed at the US District Court for the Southern District of New York in Manhattan under the artistes' real names John Taylor (aka Chaka Demus) and Everton Bonner (aka Pliers). The artistes claimed in the suit that they signed a worldwide recording deal with Universal-owned label Island Records on October 22 1992, which allowed the artistes to retain all rights to the trademark Chaka Demus and Pliers.

It said Universal Music had "withheld the monies and royalties payments" from the inception of the contract. Not only are the two reggae stars asking for a court award of more than US $10 million, but also demanding an injunction ordering Universal Music to cease the sale, production and performances of the their music.

ABC news attempted to make contact with a spokesman for Universal Music Group but was unsuccessful. Universal Music Group is the world's largest music company and is owned by French media giant Vivendi SA.