The veteran Ghanaian gospel music group Alabaster Box has moved forward in its high-profile legal battle with acclaimed rapper Samuel Adu Frimpong, popularly known as Medikal, over allegations that the hip-hop artist unauthorisedly sampled their iconic song “Akwaaba” in his track Welcome to Africa. The dispute, which has captivated Ghana’s entertainment scene and raised awareness about copyright protection in the music industry, has reached a critical procedural milestone with recent developments in how the case will proceed in court.
Alabaster Box initially launched the lawsuit in April 2025, accusing Medikal of copyright infringement for using a portion of their song “Akwaaba” a track that has been performed and distributed globally for more than two decades without obtaining permission from the rights holders. The group alleged that the opening first 10 seconds of Welcome to Africa bear “significant similarity” to Akwaaba, including not only musical elements but also thematic echoes of the celebrated original.
In their writ of summons, Alabaster Box outlined a series of complaints against Medikal. They claim that the rapper’s track Welcome to Africa reproduces distinct elements of Akwaaba, and that Medikal has continued to promote and distribute the allegedly infringing song on major music platforms such as Apple Music, Boomplay, Spotify, Audiomack, and other digital outlets, creating ongoing proliferation of the material. As a result, the group is seeking not only compensation but also permanent injunctive relief to prevent further distribution of the track in its current form.
Damages and legal remedies sought
Under the lawsuit, Alabaster Box is demanding GHS 15 million in damages. This amount includes GHS 10 million in general damages for the alleged copyright infringement and an additional GHS 5 million in exemplary damages related to the commercial exploitation and possible reputational harm arising from the unsolicited use of Akwaaba in Medikal’s recording. Beyond monetary compensation, the group has also sought a declaration from the court that Welcome to Africa constitutes a derivative work of Akwaaba, as well as a perpetual injunction restraining Medikal from continuing to promote or perform the song in its current form.
The lawsuit also demands that Medikal provide a full accounting of any revenue generated from the track and disclose all individuals or corporate entities involved in its production, distribution, and marketing. Alabaster Box’s legal team characterises Medikal’s actions as a breach of copyright law, arguing that the rapper did not seek consent before sampling their music or negotiating any licensing agreement.
Court Progress: Substituted service order
One of the most significant recent developments in the case is the High Court’s approval for substituted service of court documents on Medikal, after attempts to serve him personally at his known residence in Accra were reportedly unsuccessful. On June 4, 2025, Justice John Bosco Nabarese of the High Court (General Jurisdiction, Accra) authorised an alternative means of delivering the writ of summons and statement of claim.
This order allows the documents to be served via public posting at the High Court notice board, through Medikal’s verified social media accounts on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and by sending them to his WhatsApp number through his road manager. The substituted service order was granted after Alabaster Box’s legal team, supported by an affidavit from a process server, detailed repeated attempts to effect personal service on the rapper.
The court’s decision to permit substituted service is a critical step that ensures the case can proceed despite earlier obstacles in serving the defendant, formally placing Medikal on notice of the legal claims against him.
Industry reaction and public commentary
The copyright battle between Alabaster Box and Medikal has sparked significant discussion within Ghana’s music and entertainment industry. Many artists, producers, and legal analysts view the case as a cautionary example of the consequences of failing to obtain proper clearance before sampling existing works.
Some commentators argue that unauthorised sampling undermines intellectual property rights and discourages original creativity, while others have raised questions about the size of the damages being sought. The case has also renewed calls for improved education among artists and producers regarding copyright laws and licensing requirements in Ghana.
Medikal’s position and legal outlook
As of the latest developments, Medikal has not issued a public statement directly addressing the lawsuit or the court’s substituted service order. His silence has left industry observers speculating about the legal strategy he may adopt as the case progresses.
Should Medikal contest the allegations, the lawsuit is expected to involve detailed analysis of musical compositions, expert testimony, and judicial interpretation of Ghana’s copyright laws. The proceedings could therefore extend over several months and potentially set important precedents for how copyright disputes involving sampling are handled in the country.
Broader implications for Ghana’s music industry
The dispute between Alabaster Box and Medikal is emerging as one of the most closely watched copyright cases in Ghana’s contemporary music history. With Akwaaba regarded as a cultural and spiritual classic and Welcome to Africa enjoying wide circulation across digital platforms, the case underscores the growing tension between creative freedom and intellectual property protection in the digital era.
For artists, producers, and record labels, the lawsuit serves as a reminder of the importance of proper licensing, transparent negotiations, and respect for creative ownership. As Ghana’s music industry continues to expand globally, the outcome of this case may influence future approaches to sampling, collaboration, and copyright enforcement across the sector.