Disk jockey, DJ Azonto and his management have accused Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of using his track ‘Da No Fom’ during a campaign trip to Nalerigu, in the North East Region without authorization.
In a statement shared on his social media handles, the Rolls Royce Family revealed the action of the Vice President and his team infringes on DJ Azonto’s intellectual property rights and is demanding compensation of $10 million.
“This unauthorized use of our artist’s property for campaign purposes is unacceptable.”
The Rolls Royce Family
The management added that it also disregards the efforts put into making the song possible.
Like many other entertainers, the Rolls Royce Family noted that they are willing to collaborate with political figures who would like to use their artist’s work, however, only if the proper legal channels are used.
“As the rightful managers of DJ Azonto’s work, we were neither approached for permission nor did we authorize the use of ‘Fa No Fom’ in any capacity related to the Vice President’s campaign.
“In light of this infringement, we demand a compensation of $10 million. This amount reflects the value of the work and the damages incurred to the artist and management due to its misuse in such a high-profile campaign.”
The Rolls Royce Family
The management stressed the importance of respecting copyright laws and intellectual property rights.
They noted that a simple call to the artist’s management could have ensured the legal and respectful use of their work, thereby avoiding any unauthorized usage.
“We urge Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team to immediately address this issue and take steps to prevent such oversights in the future.
“We also request a fair and timely settlement from Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s team to resolve the unauthorized use of DJ Azonto’s song in a manner that protects and respects the intellectual property rights of the country.”
The Rolls Royce Family
Bawumia’s New Media Executive Replies DJ Azonto
The Head of New Media for the Dr Mahamudu Bawumia campaign team asked DJ Azonto to go to the DJs who played his song on Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign trail for his royalties.
According to him, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has not used anyone’s song in any of his official videos for his campaign.
In a post shared via social media, Krobea Kwabena Asante indicated that if any artist has issues they should address it to the DJs who are hired operatives on the various campaign grounds.
“Dr. Bawumia does not use anyone’s song for his campaign. Again, he has not used anyone’s song in any official video of his campaign. The spinners (DJs) are independent contractors whose performances are not controlled by Dr. Bawumia or his team.
“The copyright laws of Ghana impose obligations on operators of spinning machines (DJs) to pay royalties for their public performances. This obligation is not imposed on the Ghanaian public who engage in their services. It is for this reason that the right holders of musical works and collective management organizations collect royalties from operators of spinning machines.”
Krobea Kwabena Asante
He indicated that they understand the copyright laws and Intellectual property laws and will engage any artist where necessary.
His comment comes on the back of DJ Azonto’s Press Release that seeks compensation of $10 million from the New Patriotic Party Flagbearer for using his song on a high-profile campaign grounds.
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