'They should have sought permission' - Nana Poku Ashis weighs in on 'Defe Defe' controversy

Amidst the controversy surrounding what is arguably the biggest Ghanaian gospel song currently, 'Defe Defe,' and the potential lawsuit brewing over the song, renowned artiste manager Nana Poku Ashis has said Team Eternity Ghana erred.

The dispute centres on the alleged use of a line from the 2004 song, ‘Defe Defe’ performed by Hallelujah Voices, which was written by Osuani Afrifa and executively produced by Kwame Mickey for Kaakyire Music Productions.

In the 2024 song of the same name performed by Team Eternity, the line is present in the lyrics of the song.

Taking to his Facebook handle on June 19, 2024, Nana Poku Ashis shared a video comparing the two songs and cited some ways an artiste could use another artiste's work in music production.

He suggested that Team Eternity had engaged in a number of infringements, including re-recording, copyright infringement, sampling, and lifting.

He argued that permission should have been sought from the original creators before using their work and urged the public not to encourage the practice of using others' work without consent.

According to him, a simple act of communication, like a phone call, could have prevented the legal dispute over the rights.

"It is very clear that they have infringed on the rights of the legend.

"They should have just sought permission from the legend; respect is due where it must go. Let us not encourage such acts; just a phone call would have solved all these issues.

"Artistes must ensure they get proper clearance and obtain permission from the original creators before using their work. Give credit: Acknowledge the original creator," he posted.

Background

Kwame Mickey, the executive producer for Hallelujah Voices, claims that Team Eternity Ghana has unlawfully used the 'Defe Defe' phrase in their new song.

While some argue that the expression 'Defe Defe' cannot be owned by Hallelujah Voices, others point out lyrical similarities between the two songs.

Hallelujah Voices' version includes the line "Manhyia Nyame a anka ɔbonsam ayɛ me defe defe," while Team Eternity's rendition goes "Manhyia Nyame a anka y’ayɛ me defe defe."

The dispute has generated conversations on the topic of copyright laws and the need for artistes to obtain permission before incorporating elements of others' work into their own creations.

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