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Tag: Kwame Mickey

  • I have settled my issue with Team Eternity on ‘Defe Defe’ – Kwame Mickey

    I have settled my issue with Team Eternity on ‘Defe Defe’ – Kwame Mickey

    Ghanaian music producer Kwame Mickey has revealed that the issue concerning Team Eternity Ghana’s use of lyrics from ‘Defe Defe’ in their latest song has been resolved.

    In a statement issued by his OFM company, Kwame Mickey announced that “the issue that arose concerning Team Eternity Ghana’s use of a portion of the existing song titled ‘Defe Defe’ in their new song also titled ‘Defe Defe’ has been amicably resolved.”

    “The parties have duly entered into a Licence Agreement under which Kwame Mickey grants to Team Eternity Ghana the non-executive right to use in the new song, those words derived from the existing song,” it further states. 

    Kwame Mickey, the executive producer of Hallelujah Voices’ ‘Defe Defe’, claimed a few weeks ago that Team Eternity Ghana had violated his copyright by incorporating the ‘defe defe’ line into their new hit song.

    He wrote: “Who is that Defe Defe singer? If I start right now them go say I am ‘mansonia’. What is the difference between the two songs? Somebody tell her to report and do the needful. That’s all.” 

    He proceeded to contact YouTube, requesting that they disable the visibility of Team Eternity’s ‘Defe Defe’ on the platform until the copyright issues were resolved.

    This sparked debates on social media. Some argued that ‘Defe Defe’ is not an original expression created by Hallelujah Voices, and therefore, they cannot claim ownership of it, while others pointed out similarities in the lyrics.

    Hallelujah Voices sing “manhyia Nyame a anka ɔbonsam ayɛ me defe defe,” and Team Eternity sing “manhyia Nyame a anka y’ayɛ me defe defe.”

    ‘Defe defe’ in Twi, is an adverb used to describe the gravity of an unpleasant situation. Other synonyms for ‘defe defe’ are ‘pasa pasa’, and ‘basa basa’.

    Despite differences in rhythmic patterns and melodic phrases between the two lines, Kwame Mickey argues that the lyrical content is similar.

    The song ‘Defe Defe’, performed by Hallelujah Voices, was written by Osuani Afrifa and executively produced by Kwame Mickey for Kaakyire Music Productions. It was released in 2004.

  • Team Eternity’s team and mine are on the brink of solving ‘Defe Defe’ copyright issues – Kwame Mickey

    Team Eternity’s team and mine are on the brink of solving ‘Defe Defe’ copyright issues – Kwame Mickey

    Executive producer of Hallelujah Voices, Kwame Mickey, has refuted claims of suing Team Eternity for profit.

    His goal is to safeguard his property and uphold legal integrity.

    Mickey, earning $1,500 monthly, dismisses allegations as unfounded.

    Unfazed by public criticism, he remains committed to addressing the matter appropriately.

    “I don’t know why people are castigating me. I even heard a commentary that because I am broke, I am using forceful means to get money. By God’s grace, even if I don’t work again, what I have gained already can cater for me till I die. Every month I earn at least $1,500. I can stay at home and take that money every month,” he said on UTV’s United Showbiz.

    The music producer mentioned that his legal team and Team Eternity’s are close to a friendly resolution.

    He suggested that compensation could be arranged for the copyright infringement.

    Background

    Mickey asserted that Team Eternity Ghana had used the ‘Defe Defe’ phrase without permission in their latest track.

    Debate arises over ownership of ‘Defe Defe,’ with some disputing its exclusivity to Hallelujah Voices, while others note lyrical parallels between the 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 disagreement sparked discussions on copyright regulations and the importance of artists seeking permission before incorporating elements from others’ works into their own creations.

    Watch he video below:

  • “Do the needful” – Kwame Mickey offers Team Eternity ‘generous exit’ from lawsuit

    “Do the needful” – Kwame Mickey offers Team Eternity ‘generous exit’ from lawsuit

    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.

    Watch video below:

  • All you need to know about Kwame Mickey who is fighting Team Eternity over ‘Defe Defe’

    All you need to know about Kwame Mickey who is fighting Team Eternity over ‘Defe Defe’

    Distinguished Ghanaian music executive and producer, Kwame Mickey who is at the center of a copyright dispute with the gospel group Team Eternity, accusing them of unauthorized use of his song.

    As public interest in the case grows, GhanaWeb highlights some key aspects of his life and career.

    Career in music production:

    • Worked with over 40 artistes on approximately 75 albums
    • Produced some of Ghana’s biggest hits including:‘Krokro Me’ by Amakye Dede and ‘Mensuro na Meka’ by Osuani Afrifa.
    • Produced 12 albums with the late Reverend Osei Bonsu.
    • Produced 12 albums with his elder brother, Kaakyire Kwame Appiah.
    • Worked on Cecilia Marfo’s first album.
    • Collaborated with artistes such as Paa Solo, Uncle Ato, Paa Bobo, and Hallelujah Voices.

    Break from music:

    • Took a break from music in 2012.
    • Traveled to the USA.
    • Sold and distributed CDs to African communities in the USA.
    • Made the move for his children to have a better chance at education.

    Other ventures:

    • Involved in estate development.
    • Engaged in various other business activities.

    Personal Life:

    • Married to Mrs. Rita Mickey.
    • Father to five children:
    • Four boys: Jeffrey, Caswell, Nhyira, Obrempong Appiah Mickey.
      *One girl: Priscilla.