Accra: Alabaster Box, the Ghanaian acapella group, has provided an update on their ongoing legal battle with rapper Medikal over the alleged unauthorized use of their song 'Akwaaba'. Despite initiating a lawsuit in April 2025, the case has seen little public progress until now.
According to Ghana Web, Alabaster Box shared in an interview on Okay FM that the case remains active in court. They revealed that their initial attempts to serve Medikal and his team with a writ of summons in person were unsuccessful. Consequently, the court granted them the right to use substitute service, which has been accomplished, allowing the legal proceedings to advance.
The group detailed their experiences regarding the legal proceedings, explaining that their initial approach to Medikal's camp was met with indirect communication through a middleman. On the advice of their lawyer, all further negotiations were left to legal representatives. However, once Medikal's team realized they were dealing with a lawyer, communication broke down.
Alabaster Box emphasized their willingness to accept the court's decision, stating the importance of complying with any ruling. They also highlighted the potential criminal implications for Medikal should he fail to adhere to a court ruling in their favor. Conversely, they are prepared to respect an unfavorable ruling.
Background information indicates that Alabaster Box claims the first 10 seconds of Medikal's song 'Welcome to Africa' replicates their song 'Akwaaba'. They argue that the title and specific verses suggest derivation from their work. The group demanded the removal of Medikal's track from all platforms, a demand which went unmet. Consequently, they seek Ten Million Ghana Cedis in general damages and an additional Five Million Ghana Cedis in exemplary damages for the infringement and association with profane lyrics.
Source: Ghana Web