Kwame Mickey calls out Team Eternity for alleged song theft

USA-based Ghanaian music and film producer, Kwame Mickey, has leveled allegations of copyright infringement against Ghanaian Gospel Music Group, Team Eternity. Mickey claims the group’s song, “Defe Defe”, contains a substantial portion of a song he owns the copyright to, used without permission or credit.

In a Facebook live video, Mickey detailed the origins of the song, revealing that it was written by Osuani Afrifa and performed by Halleluyah Voices. He stated that he purchased the rights to the song from the group and possesses all necessary documents to prove ownership. While acknowledging Afrifa’s intellectual property rights as the composer, Mickey emphasized that Team Eternity should have sought permission before using the copyrighted material.

Mickey urged Team Eternity to “do the right thing” and take steps to rectify the situation, calling on them to contact him and settle the matter amicably. He praised their song as “nice” but stressed the importance of respecting copyright laws.

Social media users have weighed in on the issue, with some agreeing that Team Eternity should have sought permission before using the copyrighted material. “First time I heard the song, I thought about the old song. Given that the old song was copyrighted, they could sue Team Eternity,” wrote one user.

Another user added, “Understanding copyright infringement is very important. They should have seek permission, Wei de3 as3 is true ooo, they should have sought for permission na.”

However, others believe the issue is not worth pursuing, with one user commenting, “The word ‘DEFE DEFE’ is used within the Akan language, so generally speaking, no one owns it… the owners of the old ‘Defe Defe’ song will just waste money suing Team eternity.” Another user wrote, “Allow your country man to shine in peace. The song has been modified. Even presidential speeches are copied and there is no suing.”

Some users also questioned the origins of the phrase “Defe Defe”, with one user asking, “Is he (Kwame Mickey) the originator of that Twi word? ‘Defe Defe’?” Another user simply stated, “He should go and sleep somewhere.”