Ghanaian gospel group Alabaster Box has issued a strong warning to popular
rapper Medikal over what they describe as unauthorized use of their hit song
“Akwaaba” in his recently released track “Welcome to Africa.” The group, known
for their unique blend of a cappella and gospel music, claims Medikal sampled a
portion of their song without seeking their consent or obtaining the required
legal rights.
In a formal legal notice sent through their attorneys, Sustineri Attorneys,
Alabaster Box alleged that the opening segment of “Welcome to Africa” bears
striking resemblance to “Akwaaba.” The group believes this resemblance is not
coincidental, pointing to Medikal’s long-standing exposure to Ghanaian music,
including their works. They argue that the alleged sampling constitutes a
derivative work that infringes on their exclusive rights under copyright law.
The song “Welcome to Africa” has been publicly promoted across various media
platforms, including Medikal’s verified YouTube channel, where it has already
garnered over 72,000 views. Alabaster Box maintains that this level of exposure
capitalizes unfairly on their original composition and reputation. They insist
that Medikal’s actions not only breach copyright regulations but also exploit
their intellectual property for commercial purposes.
The legal notice demands an immediate halt to the distribution, marketing,
and public performance of “Welcome to Africa.” It further instructs Medikal to
pull down the song from all platforms and submit all related agreements and
revenue statements concerning the track. The group also warned that failure to
comply with these demands could lead to court action, including an injunction
and claims for financial compensation.
Alabaster Box emphasized that this step is aimed at defending their creative
legacy and ensuring that established artists and rising talents alike respect
the boundaries of musical ownership. Their representatives expressed readiness
to pursue all lawful means to ensure the issue is resolved appropriately and fairly.
As the music industry continues to evolve, the case serves as a reminder of the
importance of proper licensing and the need for artists to honor the work of
their peers.
The dispute has stirred interest within the entertainment community, with
fans and stakeholders watching closely to see how both parties navigate the
legal and artistic aspects of the situation.
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