Ghanaian Rapper Samuel Frimpong known in showbiz as Medikal has been slapped with a GH15 million law suit for song theft. A Ghanaian acappella group, Alabaster Box, has sued the ‘Omo Ada’ hit maker for using a portion of their ‘Akwaaba’ song without their consent or approval.
Few days Earlier, the music group had indicated that Medikal used part of their ‘Akwaaba’ song for his latest song titled ‘Welcome to Africa.’
In an official letter they wrote to Medikal, ot was stated that, the first 10 seconds of ‘Welcome to Africa’ is a reproduction of their song.
They also indicsted that, the choice of title and verses of Medikal’s song point to the fact that his work is derived from Alabaster Box’s ‘Akwaaba.’
The group also alledged that, Medikal’s aggressive promotion and distribution of his track on major streaming platforms also deepens the copy right violation.
The lawyers therefore demanded the immediate removal of ‘Welcome to Africa’ from all digital and traditional platforms.
They also demanded the cessation of any marketing, performance, or business related to the track and the termination of any contracts associated with its production and distribution
Apart from these, Alabaster Box also wanted Medikal to render accounts of revenue generated from the song, and disclose all individuals or companies involved in its promotion and distribution.
They said failure to comply with the above-listed demands would result in a legal action against the rapper.
In a writ of summons signed by the lawyer of Alabaster Box, Richard Nunekpeku, Medikal only deleted the first ten seconds of the song from only YouTube but what he uploaded with their copyright material is still on all other streaming platforms- Audiomack, Boomplay, Spotify and Apple Music.
The writ says deleting the first ten seconds without even contacting us is disrespectful and an admission of guilt.
Alabaster Box is therefore claiming an award of general damages of Medikal’s infringing conduct in the sum of Ten Million Ghana Cedis (GH₵10 million). They also demand exemplary damages in the sum of Five Million Ghana Cedis (GH₵5 million) for Medikal’s action and for attaching their brand to profane lyrics in his song – GHS5 million.
