Kuami Eugene Denies Stealing Songs From Other Artists, Says Sampling Is a Part of Music Production
Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeat artist Kuami Eugene has firmly denied accusations of stealing songs from other musicians, clarifying that what some call "stealing" is actually sampling—a common practice in the music industry. This issue arose after several controversies surrounding his hits, with critics alleging that the young artist had copied melodies, lyrics, or rhythms from older songs without proper credit.
In an interview addressing these claims, Kuami Eugene explained that sampling is part of modern music production. He highlighted that borrowing inspiration from existing songs or integrating recognizable parts of them is something most artists do, both locally and internationally. According to the musician, sampling is an artistic technique that helps bridge the past and present, creating a fusion of old and new sounds. He emphasized that there’s a clear distinction between sampling and plagiarism, which involves passing off someone else’s work as one's own without permission or acknowledgment.
Kuami Eugene mentioned that many successful artists worldwide have used sampling to create some of their biggest hits. He pointed out that this practice has been embraced across various genres, including hip-hop, pop, and Afrobeat, and is a way of paying homage to great musicians who have paved the way.
In his defense, Kuami Eugene noted that he has always been transparent about his creative process and gives credit when due. He believes that some of the criticisms come from a misunderstanding of how music production works. Sampling, according to him, involves reworking parts of a song in a way that adds value, transforming it into something new and different. He stated that his music reflects a blend of influences, which he reinterprets through his unique artistic vision.
The "Angela" hitmaker further expressed his disappointment over the backlash, noting that it is discouraging for artists to be criticized for a practice that is widely accepted in the industry. He reassured his fans and the public that he has no intentions of stealing music from any artist, and that his goal is to contribute positively to the growth of the Ghanaian music industry.
Kuami Eugene concluded by urging listeners to appreciate the artistry in modern music, recognizing that sampling is a creative tool that enriches the music landscape.
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