Nkonkonsa Celebrity Gossip From Africa
Ghanaian rapper Samuel Adu Frimpong, popularly known as Medikal, has been served with a legal notice over alleged unauthorized sampling of the classic hit “Akwaaba” by veteran musical group The Alabaster Box in his new single “Welcome to Africa.”
In a strongly worded cease-and-desist letter dated April 8, lawyers representing The Alabaster Box accused the “Omo Ada” hitmaker of copyright violation, citing “significant sampling” of their clients’ 20-year-old composition within the first 10 seconds of Medikal’s track. The letter, delivered via hand and WhatsApp, demands immediate withdrawal of the song from all platforms.
“Our clients have exclusively performed and monetized this intellectual property globally for decades,” stated the legal document seen by The Chronicle. “This infringement appears intentional given your demonstrable familiarity with the original work.”
The notice details that ”Welcome to Africa” has been widely promoted on digital and traditional platforms, including Medikal’s verified YouTube channel, where the song has garnered over 72,000 views. Alabaster Box insists that this promotion unfairly exploits their intellectual property for economic gain.
The group has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the song from all platforms, cessation of its public performance and marketing, and the submission of all related agreements and financial accounts.
Failure to comply may result in legal proceedings, including a court injunction and claims for damages.
Alabaster Box has reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding their creative rights and protecting their long-established reputation in the music industry. Medikal’s camp has yet to respond publicly.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
