Alabaster Box Pursues GH₵15 Million Lawsuit Against Medikal Over Alleged Copyright Infringement

Ghanaian acapella group Alabaster Box has provided a significant update on their ongoing legal battle against award-winning rapper Medikal. The group is alleging unauthorized use of their intellectual property, specifically their popular song "Akwaaba," within Medikal's track "Welcome to Africa." The lawsuit, which has been making headlines within the Ghanaian entertainment industry, centers on the claim that Medikal sampled their work without obtaining the necessary permissions or providing appropriate compensation. Alabaster Box is seeking damages totaling GH₵15 million, a figure that reflects the perceived value and impact of the alleged infringement on their creative catalog.

The legal proceedings, which officially commenced in April 2025, have faced several procedural hurdles over the past few months. One of the primary obstacles was the difficulty in successfully serving legal notices to Medikal. According to the group, initial attempts to reach the rapper through conventional means were unsuccessful, leading to delays in the court schedule. However, in a notable legal turn, the court granted Alabaster Box permission to use substitute service. This allowed the group to serve the court documents via social media platforms, a method that has since been confirmed as completed, ensuring that the case can now move forward through the judicial system.

At the heart of the dispute is the first 10 seconds of Medikal’s song, "Welcome to Africa." Alabaster Box asserts that this introductory segment clearly reproduces their original material from "Akwaaba." Despite the high stakes and the significant financial demand, the acapella group has maintained a professional stance regarding the litigation. They have publicly expressed their profound respect for the legal process and the authority of the court. Representatives for the group stated that they are prepared to comply with whatever decision the court eventually reaches, emphasizing that their primary goal is the protection of their artistic rights.

This case highlights the increasing focus on copyright enforcement and intellectual property rights within the Ghanaian music industry. As local artists become more aware of the commercial value of their creative works, legal disputes over sampling and unauthorized usage are expected to become more frequent. The outcome of the suit between Alabaster Box and Medikal could set a significant precedent for how copyright infringements are handled in the future. For now, the industry watches closely as the court prepares to deliberate on the merits of the case and determine whether the GH₵15 million claim is justified.