Ghanaian rapper Medikal is facing criticism after the gospel group Alabaster Box accused him of sampling their hit song “Akwaaba” without permission.
Samuel Adu Frimpong, known professionally as Medikal, is under scrutiny for allegedly using a portion of Alabaster Box’s copyrighted work in the opening 10 seconds of his track “Welcome to Africa.” This claim was made in a writ of summons issued on April 8, 2025, by Sustineri Attorneys.
The group demands that Medikal immediately remove the song from all digital and traditional platforms, as well as disclose all earnings related to its promotion, sale, performance, and distribution.
The legal document states, “In light of these circumstances, we are acting on our client’s clear instructions to demand the following without delay: the withdrawal of the infringing song from all circulation and distribution, both digital and physical. We also require a halt to any public performance, marketing, or sale of the track, cancellation of any ongoing agreements, and provision of copies of such contracts, along with confirmation of termination notices.”
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Additionally, Alabaster Box is seeking a detailed breakdown of all revenue generated from the song and a list of all individuals and entities who have received copies, including steps to retrieve those copies.
The writ warns that if Medikal does not comply with these demands, the group reserves the right to pursue legal action. This could include seeking an injunction against the song’s promotion and sale, orders for the deletion of all copies, and claims for compensatory and exemplary damages due to copyright infringement, along with reimbursement for legal costs.
This case has ignited discussions within the entertainment industry regarding copyright protection and music sampling practices in Ghana’s creative sector.
SOURCE: PULSE GHANA
