Ghanaian gospel music group Alabaster Box has filed a lawsuit against rapper Medikal, alleging copyright infringement over his latest track “Welcome to Africa.”
The group is seeking GHS 15 million in damages.
According to a writ of summons filed at the High Court of Justice, Alabaster Box accuses Medikal of illegally sampling their song “Akwaaba” in the opening moments of his new release.
They claim the first ten seconds of Medikal’s track are a derivative work based on their original composition.
Known for their hit “Akwaaba,” Alabaster Box has enjoyed over 30 years in the music industry, with performances both locally and internationally, including a notable appearance before the late Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey.
The group asserts that they hold the exclusive copyright to “Akwaaba” in Ghana and the United Kingdom, and have invested heavily in promoting the song and their brand globally.
The gospel group contends that Medikal’s track contains “expressive profanity, vulgarity and unprintable words,” which they argue have damaged their image and diminished the goodwill associated with their work.
Alabaster Box is therefore requesting GHS 10 million in compensation for copyright infringement, in addition to GHS 5 million in exemplary damages.
These additional damages are intended to address what the group describes as the rapper’s “intentional infringement of the Plaintiff’s copyright, brand association with vulgarity, and for diminishing the good mileage of the copyrighted work.”
The plaintiffs are also urging the court to compel Medikal to account for all revenues earned from the track, and to have the song taken down from all digital platforms.
Although Medikal reportedly removed the first ten seconds of the track from YouTube, the original version reportedly remains accessible on Audiomack, Boomplay, Spotify, and Apple Music.
Alabaster Box views this partial removal, without any prior communication, as “disrespectful” and interprets it as an “admission of guilt.”
The case is expected to be heard at the High Court of Justice in Accra, where the outcome could have significant implications for copyright enforcement in Ghana’s music industry.
The case has stirred considerable attention in Ghana’s entertainment industry, raising serious concerns about copyright protection, artistic integrity, and the ethical use of creative works in the digital age.
Medikal Declares Himself Unmatched in African Rap Scene
The Ghanaian rapper boldly declared that no rapper in Ghana, Africa, or beyond measures up to him.
In a fiery tweet, he warned social media users against drawing comparisons between him and any other artist, claiming that such remarks undermine his talent and achievements.
“Make una never compare me to any rapper for Ghana, Africa and beyond, nobody be my mate!” he tweeted in pidgin, emphasizing his position in the rap hierarchy.
He further expressed frustration at being compared even with fellow Ghanaian artist Kwesi Arthur.
“Never ever compare me to any artiste, not Kwesi Arthur or anyone. Don’t even dare, are you guys fukn mad?”
Medikal
The tweet came in the wake of heated debates on various platforms where music lovers often stack Ghanaian artists against each other, especially in terms of streaming numbers, sold-out shows, lyrical ability, and influence.
Fans were quick to weigh in on Medikal’s statement on X, with some backing him and others suggesting the rapper’s outburst was not needed.
Some supporters praised him for defending his hard work and unique style, while others felt the tweet could spark unnecessary tension within the industry.
“You make we shy waa right now we turn 3rd person oh Idolo?”
@0panaa_1
“They have no idea. Even though you don’t promote AMG anymore, I still won’t choose Kwesi Arthur over you. You’ve always been the best, just a little distraction along the way, but man, never fall off.”
@Briscohood
“You are the most successful rapper alongside Sarkodie!!”
@NhyirabaAngels
“Talk your talk, MDK! They keep forgetting who the real hitmaker is.”
@YAW_FR
“So now we turn third person, really, I’m disappointed in you.”
@Elorm_Hood
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