Ghanaian rapper Samuel Adu Frimpong, popularly known as Medikal, is facing potential legal action after being accused of copyright infringement by lawyers of renowned Ghanaian a cappella group, Alabaster Box.
In a formal letter sighted by Myjoyonline.com, the legal team representing Alabaster Box alleges that Medikal unlawfully used a portion of their iconic track ‘Akwaaba’ in his latest release, ‘Welcome to Africa’, without seeking consent or providing due credit.
According to the letter, the first 10 seconds of Medikal’s track directly reproduces elements of Alabaster Box’s ‘Akwaaba’. The group further argues that the title and lyrical themes of the rapper’s song appear heavily inspired by their original work — a move they deem as a direct derivation.
The situation is further compounded by Medikal’s aggressive promotion and widespread distribution of the track across major streaming platforms, which Alabaster Box claims intensifies the violation.
As such, the group’s lawyers are demanding the immediate removal of ‘Welcome to Africa’ from all digital and traditional platforms, along with the cessation of any marketing, performances, or business activities related to the song. They also want all contracts tied to the track’s production and distribution to be terminated.
In addition, the legal team is asking Medikal to render a full account of revenue generated from the track and disclose the names of all individuals and companies involved in its promotion and distribution.
Failure to comply, the letter states, will result in legal action against the rapper.
Find the letter served Medikal from Alabaster Box’s legal team below:
But the allegations don’t stop there.
Away from the Akwaaba lyrics controversy, keen-eared listeners have also pointed out that a segment of the beat from Sarkodie’s iconic track ‘U Go Kill Me’ — produced by EL— is noticeably present in Medikal’s ‘Welcome to Africa’ between the 1:07 – 1:14 and 2:45 – 2:52 timestamps. Interestingly, Medikal’s track was produced by A-Town, raising further concerns about sampling and originality.
As the music industry continues to place greater emphasis on intellectual property rights, this development could spark an important conversation around sampling, proper clearance, and respect for creative works — even within local music scenes.
Medikal and his team are yet to publicly respond to the allegations.
Story by: Kelvin B. Annor-Yeboah_univers@ug.edu.gh
Edited by: Cindy Humade Selasie
