Entertainment
Obrafour sues Drake for $10m after rapper sampled ‘Oye Ohene’ without consent
Legendary Ghanaian rapper Obrafour is suing popular Canadian rapper Drake for sampling his 2003 remix of ‘Oye Ohene’ on his song ‘Calling My Name’ off the Honestly Nevermind album.
In the documents presented to a court in New York, Obrafour stated that Drake infringed on his copyright when he sampled his song without permission.
“Defendants released the Infringing Work on June 17, 2022, despite the fact that an agent of one or more Defendants had previously contacted Obrafour seeking to obtain Obrafour’s permission for the use of the Copyrighted Work in the Infringing Work.”
“Obrafour never granted Defendants permission to use the Copyrighted Work and the Infringing work was released mere days later,” parts of the document read.
The Ghanaian rapper indicated that Drake and other defendants following the release of ‘Calling My Name’ has greatly benefited from his work.
“To date, over the mere 304 days that have elapsed since the Infringing Work was released, the Infringing Work has already been streamed over 4.1 million times on YouTube, streamed over 47,442,160 times on Spotify, and streamed tens of millions of times on Apple Music.”
“In addition to generating enormous sums of global streams and sales across numerous platforms, the Infringing Work has also been exploited by the Defendants via other means, including live performance.”
Among others, Obrafour is seeking damages in an amount not less than $10,000,000.
He is also seeking an injunction requiring the “defendants and their agents, employees, officers, attorneys, successors, licensees, partners, and assigns, and all persons acting in concert or participation with each or any one of them, to cease directly and indirectly infringing, and causing, enabling, facilitating, encouraging, promoting, inducing, and/or participating in the infringement of any of Obrafour’s rights protected by the Copyright Act.”
Meanwhile, other defendants in the suit include writers, producers, performers, record labels, entertainment companies, publishers, managers, administrators, and/or distributors of the infringing work.
In June 2022, Canadian rapper, Drake surprised his fans with ‘Honestly, Nevermind’ but for Ghanaians, it was a double surprise.
On Track 6, ‘Calling My Name’, Drake sampled a beloved popular song from one of Ghana’s best musicians alive, Obrafour.
Drake samples Ghana’s Obrafour on new ‘Honestly, Nevermind’ Album
The sample is found at 0:53 seconds of the Drake tune, where it transitions into a house music vibe sending the song into a different type of ambiance compared to its initial trajectory.
“Killa cut!” is the chant heard multiple times.
That part was sung by Mantse Aryeequaye as an opener to the late 2003 remix of ‘Oye Ohene’ off the Ntete Pa album.
Credit: Myjoyonline.com
Entertainment
My ‘Victory’ song is a prophetic declaration – Mavis Asante
Ghanaian gospel musician, Mavis Asante, has disclosed that her new song dubbed, ‘Victory’ is a prophetic declaration in one’s life.
The song, produced by renowned producer, Kaywa, has been making waves recently.
Speaking to The Spectator Agoro she said the song was inspired by a scripture in 2Kings 7:1, in which “Prophet Elisha prophesied to the City of Samaria that, tomorrow by this time food will be in abundance whereas the city was facing a great famine.”
Mavis Asante further added that the song preaches a message of hope and prophetic declaration, “A personal and spiritual reflection of resilience and faith.
A message encouraging believers and listeners to trust God no matter the situation. A message that resonates deeply in these challenging times. A motivational message.”
Touching on the feedback received after the song was released, Ms Asante revealed that it has been amazing.
According to her, as a matter of fact people have already shared some testimonies, adding that “we give all the glory to God. And it’s already topping musical charts in the country.”
She said the music video just won an award as the Best Video at the just ended GH Awards, held on November 15 at the Silver Bird Cinemas.
The gospel music icon urged Ghanaians to expect the Victory Concert in 2025, which will be her first major concert and her biggest programme since her entry onto the music space 15 years ago.
Entertainment
Quame Gyedu wins top gong at Praise Achievement Awards 2024
Justice Gyedu Amissah, well known as Quame Gyedu has made headlines with his remarkable achievement at the Praise Achievement Awards 2024, where he clinched the Worship Song of the Year award.
This recognition highlights not only his incredible talent or songwriting skills but also the impact of his music in the gospel community.
The Praise Achievement Awards, known for celebrating excellence in gospel music, provided a platform for various artistes to showcase their work.
Quame Gyedu’s win is a testament to his dedication and passion for worship music, resonating deeply with listeners and uplifting spirits.
His song ‘Osaberima’, released last year November has captivated audiences throughout the year and has become a staple in many worship services, reflecting the profound influence of his artistry.
The award was received by gospel blogger Skbeatz Records on his behalf at the event held on Sunday, November 24 at the Perez Dome.
He was the only artiste who won an award from the Ashanti Region.
As fans and fellow musicians celebrate this milestone, Gyedu’s achievement serves as an inspiration for aspiring artistes in the gospel genre.