Ghanaian rapper Samuel Adu Frimpong, known professionally as Medikal, is facing allegations from gospel music group Alabaster Box over the alleged unauthorized use of their hit song “Akwabaa.”
According to a writ of summons issued by Sustineri Attorneys, the group claims that the opening 10 seconds of Medikal’s track “Welcome to Africa” unlawfully incorporates a portion of their copyrighted work.
The document asserts that the segment constitutes intellectual property belonging to Alabaster Box. The group has formally demanded the immediate removal of the song from all digital and traditional platforms.
“In the circumstances, we act on our client’s clear instructions to demand the following without delay: the withdrawal of the infringing song from all forms of circulation and distribution, both digital and physical. We also demand a halt to any public performance, marketing, or sale of the track, the cancellation of any ongoing agreements related to its release, and the provision of copies of such contracts, along with confirmation that termination notices have been issued.”
The writ
The group further asserted that Medikal’s familiarity with their music over the years strengthens the case for intentional infringement.
According to them, the song has already gained traction on several platforms, including Medikal’s verified YouTube page, where it has surpassed 72,000 views.
Additionally, Alabaster Box is calling for a comprehensive breakdown of all revenue generated from the song, as well as a list of all individuals and entities who have received copies of the track, including steps being taken to retrieve those copies.
The writ also outlines the consequences should Medikal fail to comply with the demands.
“Should you fail to act on these demands, our client reserves the right to pursue legal action without further notice. This includes seeking an injunction against the ongoing promotion and sale of the song, an order for the deletion and destruction of all copies, and claims for both compensatory and exemplary damages due to the deliberate infringement of our client’s copyright. We will also seek reimbursement for all legal costs incurred.”
The writ
The case has sparked conversation across the entertainment industry, particularly around copyright protection and music sampling in Ghana’s creative sector.
In the meantime, Medikal has yet to respond to the allegation.
Netizens reacted to Medikal’s alleged copyright infringement.
“But Medikal paa. Why you go take someone’s work without their permission?”
GraphianTv
“It’s just an interpolation. I doubt he would have gone through the hassle to clear it. Clearly, he was just being negligent.”
christiansirse
“The track sounds just like ‘This is America’ by Childish Gambino.”
Newagelead
“Ah, didn’t he talk to the owner before using it? Ah 🤦♂️.”
thepowderguy1
Medikal Compares Childhood Photo to Daughter
The celebrated Ghanaian rapper got many people comparing his childhood and resemblance to that of his daughter Island Frimpong.
On Medikal’s X account, he shared a picture of his childhood self with a low and neatly trimmed haircut and looking innocent.
In his childhood picture, he wore a simple round-necked t-shirt and posed in front of a plant in front of their home.
In the caption of the post, he spoke about having big dreams at such a young age and in the comment section, many people highlighted how his life was a testament to the dreams he had. “Big dreams…,” he wrote in the caption.
Medikal quoted the post with a current picture of his daughter Island Frimpong, and this got many people comparing her upbringing to his and how much he resembled him.
Many people in the comment section opined that when Island was a baby and much younger, she looked more like her mother, Fella Makafui.
Social media users noticed that Medikal’s 4-year-old daughter looked more like him as she became older.
Medikal, quoting the post about his childhood picture with that of Island’s current picture, got many people hailing him as the father of the year as they compared the quality of his upbringing to hers.
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