The bassist with Bob Marley's backing group The Wailers has gone to the High Court to seek a share of the singer's royalties.

Aston Barrett's case was brought against Universal-Island Records and UMG Recordings on Wednesday in London.

He claimed a partnership agreement with the late reggae superstar Marley, who died in 1981.

Barrett also claimed copyright for six songs, and royalties from recording contracts in 1974 and 1975 when Marley was enjoying international success.

Marley's family administer his estate

Universal-Island Records and UMG Recordings are trying to have the claims struck out as an abuse of process of the courts.

Marley died from cancer at the age of 36 without making a will.

Musicians who worked with him have been involved in courtroom claims since his death.

A settlement was reached in 1994 between various members of the Wailers and record companies following years of litigation in Jamaica, the US and Britain.

Litigation

Barrett - known as "Familyman" - made the claim on behalf of himself and his brother Carlton, the band's drummer who died in 1986.

During the 1970s Marley recorded some of his biggest-selling records including Natty Dread, Exodus and Babylon by Bus.

Universal-Island Records and UMG Recordings began their argument before Mr Justice Laddie.

They claimed all the former band members agreed to monetary settlements in 1994 to end any further litigation.

They also want members of the Marley family - his wife Rita and seven of his 11 children who administer the Marley estate - to be joined in the action.