The well-known Ghanaian band Alabaster Box has threatened to sue Samuel Adu Frimpong, better known by his stage name Medikal, for allegedly violating copyright in his song “Welcome to Africa.”
The group has accused Medikal of illegally and without permission sampling their hit song “Akwaaba” through their legal counsel, Sustineri Attorneys.
Alabaster Box asserts in a legal notification to Medikal that the first few seconds of his song are very similar to their copyrighted composition.
They contend that Medikal’s acts breach their exclusive rights since they amount to the development of a derivative work.
The group further claims that Medikal’s knowledge of their songs implies deliberate infringement.
The notification explains that Medikal’s verified YouTube account, where the song has had over 72,000 views, is one of the many digital and traditional media where “Welcome to Africa” has been extensively marketed. Alabaster Box maintains that their intellectual property is being unfairly used for financial advantage by this marketing.
The organization has called for the music to be taken down from all platforms right now, for its marketing and public performances to stop, and for all associated contracts and financial records to be turned in.
Legal action, including a court order and damages claims, may follow noncompliance.
Alabaster Box has reiterated their dedication to preserving their long-standing reputation in the music business and their creative rights.
