After almost two decades of contributing his voice to productions by Hammer of the Last Two, Nii Mantse Aryeequaye is taking legal steps to transfer ownership of all the collaborative works into his name.
As the Founder of the Chalewote Street Art Festival, Mantse has filed a lawsuit against Hammer, alleging that the producer took unfair advantage of his works.
Commencing in July 2023, the legal action involves Ghanaian musician Obrafour, on whose musical piece, ‘Oye Ohene’ remix, Mantse was featured.
Obrafour had previously sued Canadian rapper Drake for $10 million for sampling a portion of the song that featured Nii Mantse without proper authorization.
Upon learning of the lawsuit, Mantse asserted his sole ownership of the phrase ‘Killer cut, blood’ on Obrafour’s ‘Oye Ohene’ remix. Failing to resolve issues with Obrafour and Hammer, Mantse decided to file a lawsuit against both parties.
In his legal pursuit, Mantse seeks ownership of moral and economic rights to the “killer cut, blood” phrase he voiced for Obrafour’s ‘Oye Ohene’ remix.
He also seeks an injunction to restrain Obrafour, Hammer, or any party from demanding or receiving payment for the work, ‘Killer cut, blood.’
Additionally, he pursues General Damages against Obrafour for misappropriating his work and actively seeking profit from it.
Moreover, Mantse wants Hammer to relinquish all works done for him and provide a record of all his works, including those used in other projects.
Despite acknowledging Mantse’s crucial role in his creative process, Hammer, according to Mantse, did not compensate him for the collaborative works.