Sustineri Attorneys, the legal team representing Alabaster Box, has stated that the first 10 seconds of Medikal’s song “Welcome to Africa” allegedly sampled their client’s hit song “Akwaaba” without permission.
In an official notice to Medikal, accusing him of copyright infringement, Alabaster Box, through their lawyers, outlined five key demands from the rapper and his management.
According to the attorneys, these demands are intended to protect the song and hold Medikal accountable for using parts of it without consent.
Here is a breakdown of Alabaster Box’s five demands:
The withdrawal of the infringing song from all distribution and circulation on traditional and digital platforms
They are asking Medikal to take down “Welcome to Africa” from all digital streaming platforms, including YouTube, Audiomack, Spotify, Apple Music, and Boomplay.
The music group is also requesting that the alleged song be removed from traditional media platforms, such as radio and television.
To them, the continued availability of the track on these platforms constitutes an ongoing copyright violation.
The cessation of any public performance, direct marketing, and/or sale of the infringing song
The group is seeking an immediate halt to all forms of promotion, sales, and live performances of “Welcome to Africa.”
This means Medikal is expected not perform the song at any events, the song should no longer be played on radio, and all social media promotion of the song should cease.
The termination of any existing agreements for the production, promotion, distribution, and sale of the infringing song, and submission of related contracts and termination notifications
In a strategic move, Alabaster Box is requesting that Medikal and his team terminate any contracts or distribution agreements related to “Welcome to Africa.”
This includes agreements with music distributors, producers, advertisers, and promotional agencies.
Alabaster Box aims to halt all commercial activities related to the song and gain full insight into the behind-the-scenes dealings surrounding the track.
The provision of a detailed account of all revenue from the promotion, distribution, performance, and marketing of the infringing song
The music group is demanding a comprehensive financial report detailing all revenue Medikal has generated from “Welcome to Africa” since its release.
This includes earnings from streaming, licensing, sponsorships, as well as any indirect income from performances or brand endorsements linked to the song.
The specification in writing of all parties or persons who received copies of the infringing song and steps to retrieve them
Lastly, Alabaster Box is demanding a complete list of all individuals and organisations involved in the creation, promotion, and distribution of “Welcome to Africa.”
They are also demanding a detailed report on the steps Medikal and his team are taking to retrieve copies of the song from those parties.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
