Popular Ghanaian rapper Medikal is now entangled in a major legal dispute after a High Court in Accra approved a request allowing gospel group Alabaster Box to serve him court documents through alternative digital means.
The gospel ensemble has filed a GH₵15 million lawsuit accusing Medikal of unlawfully incorporating a portion of their acclaimed song Akwaaba into his track Welcome to Africa. According to the group, the opening seconds of Medikal’s song directly replicate their original composition—a move they argue infringes on their exclusive rights in both Ghana and the UK.
After repeated attempts to deliver the summons in person failed, Alabaster Box’s legal team successfully petitioned the court to serve the documents in an unconventional way. The ruling, issued on June 12, 2025, now permits notices to be posted on the High Court’s official board, as well as sent to the rapper’s verified social media profiles and his manager’s WhatsApp contact.
At the center of the case is not only the alleged copyright infringement but also the group’s concern over the explicit content in Medikal’s version. They claim that the song’s offensive language has tarnished their brand, which has previously earned global recognition—including a performance for Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey.
In their lawsuit, Alabaster Box is demanding GH₵10 million for copyright infringement and an additional GH₵5 million in exemplary damages. They further want the court to compel Medikal to disclose all financial proceeds from the song and to have it taken down from digital streaming platforms.
The case underscores the growing legal challenges artists face in the digital age, especially when it comes to sampling and intellectual property rights. As proceedings continue, the music industry watches closely to see how this high-profile case unfolds.
Source: NewsandVibes.com
