Gospel music group Alabaster Box has filed a GHC15 million lawsuit against Ghanaian rapper Samuel Adu Frimpong, popularly known as Medikal, over alleged copyright infringement.

In a writ of summons issued by the court, Alabaster Box claims that the first ten seconds of Medikal’s new song, Welcome to Africa, directly samples their 2002 hit Akwaaba without their consent or authorization.

The group is seeking multiple reliefs, including damages, injunctions, and a full accounting of revenues generated from the song.

According to the suit, despite issuing a prior demand letter to Medikal, the song continues to be promoted and distributed on major streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Boomplay, Spotify, Audiomack, as well as through radio airplay.

The group describes this as a “continuing infringement.”

Alabaster Box is seeking the following reliefs:

  • A declaration that Welcome to Africa is a derivative work of Akwaaba.

  • A declaration that the use of their copyrighted work without permission constitutes infringement.

  • A perpetual injunction restraining Medikal from further promoting or distributing the song.

  • Termination of all related commercial agreements linked to the track.

  • An account of all revenues earned from the alleged infringing work.

  • Removal of the song from all media platforms.

  • General damages of GHC10 million and exemplary damages of GHC5 million for alleged brand damage and vulgar association.

  • Costs and legal fees.

The court has given Medikal eight days to enter an appearance or risk judgment being passed in his absence.