Medikal sued for GHC15m by Alabastar Box over copyright breach
Alabaster Box, through their lawyer Richard Nunekpeku, stated that Medikal only removed the portion from YouTube after receiving the complaint but failed to take the song down from other streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, and Audiomack
What began as a private plea has now reached the courtroom. Ghanaian gospel group Alabaster Box has officially sued rapper Samuel Adu Frimpong, known in showbiz as Medikal, for using part of their copyrighted song “Akwaaba” in his latest release without their consent.
According to the writ of summons filed at the High Court in Accra, the legal action follows an unsuccessful effort by the group to address the issue outside the courts. They claim Medikal sampled the first 10 seconds of their song “Akwaaba” in his track “Welcome to Africa” — an act they deem a serious violation of their intellectual property.
Alabaster Box, through their lawyer Richard Nunekpeku, stated that Medikal only removed the portion from YouTube after receiving the complaint but failed to take the song down from other streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, and Audiomack.
In addition, they argue that his continued marketing and distribution of the song on major platforms, coupled with the use of a similar title and thematic elements, prove that Welcome to Africa is heavily inspired by their work.
The lawsuit is seeking; GHC 10 million in general damages for the copyright infringement, GHC 5 million in exemplary damages for the association of their brand with “profane lyrics” in Medikal’s song., An account of all revenues generated from the song, disclosure of all individuals and companies involved in its promotion and distribution, and a complete removal of the song from all platforms and termination of any related contracts.
The group says Medikal’s silence and limited action — deleting only part of the content from one platform — is not only inadequate but “an admission of guilt.”
Alabaster Box, known for their soulful harmonies and inspirational messages, now hope the courts will intervene and set a precedent for protecting local content and musical integrity.
Read the wtrit filed by Alabastar Box below:
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