Dr. Bawumia, DJ Azonto, Kennedy Agyapong and Chairman Wontumi in a photo collage
DJ Azonto's management, the Rolls Royce Family, has issued a press statement demanding $1 billion in compensation for the unauthorized use of their intellectual property.
According to them, the unauthorized use of DJ Azonto's popular song "Fa No Fom" by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia during his presidential campaign in the Ashanti Region disrespects intellectual property rights and copyright laws governing the entertainment industry.
The demands stem from a viral video showing Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong, and Chairman Wontumi integrating DJ Azonto's hit song into their campaign events without securing proper authorization from the Rolls Royce Family.
In a press statement released by Rolls Royce Family's Public Relations Officer, Sammy Anim, the management firm expressed strong condemnation for what they perceive as a violation of copyright laws.
Full press statement below:
"The Rolls Royce Family, management of DJ Azonto, sends a strong statement on a viral video regarding the unauthorized use of DJ Azonto's hit song 'Fa No Fom' by prominent political figures.
Recently, a video surfaced showing Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia dancing to the track once again during his political events in the Ashanti Region, despite previous demands for $10 million in compensation.
The video, which has gained widespread attention, also features the regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Chairman Wontumi, and Honourable Kennedy Agyapong using the song for their political purposes.
This repeated use of 'Fa No Fom' without seeking consent from DJ Azonto or his management is seen as a blatant disregard for intellectual property rights.
In light of these events, the Rolls Royce Family demands an additional $1 billion from each of these political figures for the unauthorized use of the song. The management team emphasizes that this is not just about financial compensation but also about respecting the rights and efforts of artists.
DJ Azonto has previously expressed his intentions and promised to reward his mother with a car as soon as his song is used in political activities, even before its success. However, despite the repeated use of 'Fa No Fom' by Dr. Bawumia and other political figures, no compensation or acknowledgment has been provided.
We find it deeply troubling that our artist's work is being used without permission, especially for political purposes. This not only undermines the value of the artist's creation but also sets a negative precedent for respecting intellectual property rights in our industry.
The Rolls Royce Family urges Dr. Bawumia, Chairman Wontumi, and Kennedy Agyapong to address this matter promptly and provide the necessary compensation for the unauthorized use of 'Fa No Fom.'
The management team remains open to dialogue to resolve this issue amicably but insists that appropriate measures must be taken to rectify this ongoing infringement. We urge music bodies like the Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO) to advocate for and protect the rights of musicians in such matters."
