Renowned Ghanaian gospel group Alabaster Box has taken legal action against hip-hop artist Medikal, filing a GHS 15 million lawsuit over alleged copyright infringement.
The group claims that Medikal’s latest track, Welcome to Africa, unlawfully incorporates elements from their internationally recognised song Akwaaba.
Filed in the High Court of Justice in Accra, the lawsuit asserts that the first ten seconds of Welcome to Africa are a derivative copy of the original composition Akwaaba.
Alabaster Box, which has performed on global stages including Westminster Abbey for Queen Elizabeth II, argue that their exclusive copyright has been violated.
According to the writ, the group is seeking GHS 10 million in compensation for copyright infringement and an additional GHS 5 million in exemplary damages.
READ ALSO: Alabaster Box warns Medikal over ‘Akwaaba’ sample
They accuse Medikal not only of unauthorised use but also of damaging their brand by associating their music with what they describe as “profanity, vulgarity, and unprintable content” in his song.
The group further demands a full accounting of all revenue generated from “Welcome to Africa” and an injunction requiring the track’s removal from all digital platforms.
Although Medikal reportedly edited the track on YouTube to remove the disputed section, the original version remains accessible on platforms such as Audiomack, Boomplay, Spotify, and Apple Music.
Alabaster Box considers this partial removal without prior communication as both disrespectful and a tacit admission of infringement.
The case is scheduled to be heard by the High Court in Accra in the coming weeks.
Read the full legal document below: