Ghanaian star Samuel Adu Frimpong, who goes by the stage name Medikal, is embroiled in significant legal issues following allegations that he copied portions of a chart-topping track by the renowned group The Alabaster Box.
The group, creators of the famous song “Akwaaba”, meaning “Welcome”, claims Medikal used a 10-second sample from their track in his new song “Welcome to Africa” without permission.
Their legal representatives from Sustineri Attorneys issued a forcefully worded letter urging Medikal to take down the song at once.
The Alabaster Box states that they have possessed "Akwaaba" for more than two decades, performing it globally and distributing it commercially.
They contend that Medikal’s track mirrors their creation excessively, replicating both the melody and the title, as well as some of the verses.
The data indicates that Medikal’s track has become an instant success, boasting over 72,000 views on YouTube, 7,900 likes, more than 1,000 comments, as well as significant airtime on radio stations and music platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Boomplay.
The Alabaster Box alleges that Medikal is profiting from their content unlawfully and has incorrectly asserted "all rights reserved" for the track.
The group’s lawyers have given Medikal an ultimatum- demanding him to remove the song from all platforms immediately, stop performing or selling the song, provide financial records showing how much money the song has made, and name everyone he shared the song with.
If Medikal ignores these demands, the group says it will take him to court, seeking a ban on the song’s distribution, destruction of all copies, and payment for damages plus extra fines for what they call “intentional theft.”
So far, Medikal has not responded publicly.
This case could set an important precedent for copyright protection in African music.
The Alabaster Box’s lawyer, Richard Nunekpeku, can be reached for comment at richard@sustineriatorneys.com or +233243717144
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