Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeat artist Kuami Eugene has responded to ongoing accusations of song theft, asserting that his use of sampling is a legitimate aspect of music production.
In a recent interview on Accra-based Hitz FM, Eugene clarified that incorporating elements from existing songs is a common practice in the music industry and does not equate to stealing.
“I don’t ‘steal’ music,” the acclaimed singer stated firmly, addressing persistent criticism about his artistic methods
Eugene expressed frustration over what he perceives as disproportionate scrutiny of his work compared to his peers. He noted that while many artists incorporate lines or melodies from other songs, he often faces criticism for similar practices.
“I feel like many artists can get away with it, but for me, it’s like every time I release a hit that includes a line reminiscent of another artist’s work, I’m criticised,” he said.
The artist emphasized that music is an evolving art form built on inspiration and collaboration. He highlighted that his creative process involves drawing inspiration from various sources to develop his distinctive sound.
Eugene’s remarks come amid a backdrop of previous allegations and discussions within the Ghanaian music scene regarding the boundaries between sampling and plagiarism. Notably, in 2021, he and his management settled a copyright issue after being accused of using elements from Seth Frimpong’s “Okumchola” without prior permission.
Despite the controversies, Eugene continues to make significant contributions to Ghana’s music industry, with his latest hit “Belinda” performing well on various platforms.
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