Alabaster Box sues Medikal for GH₵15 million over unauthorized sampling of ‘Akwaaba’
Music group Alabaster Box has taken legal action against rapper Medikal, alleging unauthorized sampling of their track ‘Akwaaba’ in his recently released song, ‘Welcome to Africa.’
This development follows a previous warning issued by the group just a week ago, hinting at a potential lawsuit.
According to the group, Medikal incorporated elements of their original composition into his new release without seeking the required permission. Specifically, they argue that the opening 10 seconds of ‘Welcome to Africa’ constitute a direct reproduction of their song ‘Akwaaba.’
In a letter addressed to Medikal, the group emphasized that not only the intro but also the choice of title and lyrical content reflect clear derivations from their work.
They further assert that Medikal’s extensive marketing and widespread distribution of the track across major streaming platforms significantly compound the alleged infringement.
Their legal team, therefore, has demanded the immediate takedown of ‘Welcome to Africa’ from all online and offline platforms.
In addition, they called for an end to all forms of promotion, performance, and commercial activities linked to the song. They also urged the cancellation of any contracts tied to its production and distribution.
Beyond these demands, Alabaster Box insists Medikal must provide a full account of all earnings generated from the song and disclose every individual or company involved in its marketing and distribution.
They warned that any failure to comply with these stipulations would lead to full-scale legal proceedings against the rapper.
A writ of summons, signed by Alabaster Box’s legal representative Richard Nunekpeku, claims that Medikal has merely removed the first 10 seconds of the song from YouTube—while the original version, containing their copyrighted material, remains active on platforms such as Audiomack, Boomplay, Spotify, and Apple Music.
The writ describes this partial action as not only inadequate but also “disrespectful” and indicative of Medikal’s admission of guilt.
Consequently, Alabaster Box is seeking general damages amounting to Ten Million Ghana Cedis (GH₵10 million) for the alleged copyright violation.
Additionally, they are pursuing exemplary damages of Five Million Ghana Cedis (GH₵5 million), citing the misrepresentation of their brand through association with the explicit content in Medikal’s lyrics.
See the writ of summons below.
