Last Saturday a sudden moment of truth changed the mood of everybody who was listening to Peace FM’s “Entertainment Review” in the afternoon between 1pm and 4pm. Those who opened their mouth wide in shock, even went ahead to shout because they couldn’t believe what they were hearing.
Ofori Amponsah a.k.a Mr. All4Real disclosed live on air that the remix version of his current Black Label album title track “Odwo” featuring Samini presently making waves on radio is without his approved concern. The remix produced by popular producer (sound engineer) Roland aka Roro or Body Roro is gradually getting even popular than the original song produced in Germany at Rheinklaig Studio by German producer Bodo Staiger.
This happened when “Entertainment Review” had a copy of the new remix and decided to call Ofori Amponsah and ask him if he knew anything about the said remix and why he has released it now when the original song is still receiving massive air play. Speaking to the host Kwasi Aboaye via the man with most consistent hits express his outmost surprise at what Roro had done. “I have not released or asked anybody to produce a remix for me. I have no Idea of any remix on radio”.
When Kwasi asked the highlife super star if he had heard the song before, he answered no. Even when the said remix was played for him he maintained that it was the first time he was hearing it. As the host could not believe his ears and asked Ofori again if he really meant what he said, that his own song has been reproduced without his permission he stressed that “Believe me it is Ofori Amponsah you are talking to. Kwasi I repeat that I don’t know of any remix”.
When Roro was reached on phone to give his side he confirmed that yes he has produced a remix version of “Odwo”.
The formal resident engineer of the Best Brain Digital Studio explained that he bought a copy of the “Odwo” album and heard the accapella (voice without beat) version on it, he liked it and decided to copy the accapella on his own beat with his signature “Body Roro” on it as well. Asked whether he did this with Ofori Amponsa’s permission, Roro said he spoke to a member of Ofori Amponsah’s management team by name Banahene who even said Ofori embraced the idea.
Roro went on say that he sees nothing wrong with doing a remix of a popular song because this not the first time something like this is happening. He referred to a remix of Akon’s “Ghetto” produced by Zapp Mallet as a typical example. As he openly revealed that he did the same for “Otoolege”.
There was no feel of regret in his voice as he strongly defended such a blatant act of unlawfully using someone’s creative property without informing the rightful owner which is tantamount to piracy a world wide crime. In the past Roro has behaved similarly to some musicians. He did a reply of Sidney’s “Obia enye obia” titled “Obi ye Obi” featuring Joe Frazer and did the same thing to A-Plus “Letter to Parliament” with a reply titled “Yem pe sa waha” featuring Obiefour de Governor.
Ofori Amponsah’s reaction to what Roro said was “There is nobody in my management team called Banahene. As far as I’m concerned nobody has spoken to me about any remix. In fact I have my remix version already done in the studio unreleased. So any remix playing on radio is not from Ofori Amponsah”.
He used the opportunity to make public his new management team led by Fadda Dickson, Peace FM, Fiifi Banson Peace FM, Kwasi Abougye Peace FM and Francis Doku Graphic Showbiz. As at Saturday, when the news was broken Roro had not spoken to any management member. So the question is why would Roro do such a thing and for what gain(s)?
The studio panel Carlos Sakyi of Galaxy Entertainment, Fred Kyei Mensah, Fredima Studio, Arnold Asamoah Baidoo and guest Rex Omar all condemned the act and even descended on Ofori Amponsah for taking such a serious issue so lightly. What happened to professionalism in our industry? Are we going to continue to do whatever we like in the name of brotherliness? Where is respect in this game?
