Music executive producer Kwame Mickey has offered Team Eternity Ghana a “generously affordable” solution to avoid a potential copyright infringement lawsuit.
In a Facebook Live broadcast on Sunday, June 17, 2024, the music executive accused the gospel group of illegally interpolating elements in their latest hit, “Defe Defe.”
Mickey criticized the frequent unauthorized use of original works by gospel musicians, who often justify their actions by claiming to do God’s work. He lamented that many creators are not receiving the credit and compensation they deserve, leading to exploitation in the industry.
“There’s something I need to address,” Mickey said. “We have veterans in music who see it as their business. We must be careful, or people will work hard and gain nothing. As long as I, Kwame Mickey, am alive, I will tell you what is right. We won’t let people reap where they haven’t sown.”
He condemned the practice of appropriating popular songs in the Gospel industry and denying their rightful ownership. “Every song has a creator,” he asserted.
“I’ve seen a group called Team Eternity. You guys are playing with fire. If you’re in doubt, ask Stonebwoy or Kwaku Darlington. I won’t let you go scot-free. I’ll get an international lawyer to make you respect me,” Mickey warned.
He emphasized that he is not like other musicians who create hits only to later live in poverty because they were denied their rightful earnings. He rejected the notion that it’s all for the advancement of God’s work, pointing out that even pastors collect donations for their ministry and people profit from religious texts.
Despite his strong stance, Mickey mentioned he has been lenient with Team Eternity because it involves God’s work. “I’m offering you a generously affordable solution. Come and do the needful,” he advised, showing a bottle of Christian Brothers brandy as a gesture of goodwill.
Two decades ago, Christ International’s Halleluya Voices released a song with the lyrics: “Me nuanom ee mese m’ongyae me w’ate, na menkɔ da Nyame ase’o. Manhyia Nyame a anka ɔbonsam ayɛ me defe defe.” In 2024, Team Eternity’s song features: “M’ongyae me na menda Nyame ase. Manhyia Nyame a anka y’ayɛ me defe defe.” Both songs share the same title, “Defe Defe,” and contain similar lyrical content.
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