Music producer, Mark Okraku Mantey has disclosed that he plans to take legal action against rapper Sarkodie for theft of intellectual property.
According to the CEO of Slip Music, the rapper, born Michael Owusu Addo, infringed on his intellectual property right by doing another version of Daasebre Gyamenah’s hit song, ‘Kokoko’.
The rapper first performed the song, a tribute to the late highlife great, Daasebre Gyamenah, who passed away at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra on Friday, July 29, at his Rapperholic Concert on December 25, 2016.
Sarkodie later released the song, which features his Sarkcess Music label mate, Akwaboah Jnr.
Mr Mantey is however not enthused about the development and is planning to take legal action against the award-winning rapper.
He explained to Myjoyonline.com that he produced the song, which was released in 1999, under his Slip Music label and, therefore, owns the rights to the song. The use of either the entire or any part of the song, without his permission, is illegal, he argued.
At the Rapperholic Concert, Sarkodie, clad in a beautiful white attire, performed the remix of Daasebre’s smash hit single which featured Lord Kenya.
He did a rap over a redefined beat of the ‘Kokoko’ song with the late highlife musician’s image flashing on the screen behind him.
Pointing his finger at Daasebre Gyamenah’s image, he acknowledged the late musician’s contribution to Ghanaian music and prayed he rests in peace. Akwaboah also delivered the original chorus of the song.
Asked when he plans to take the action, Mark said soon but will not disclose exactly when.
Management of Sarkodie, when contacted by Myjoyonline.com for a reaction, declined to comment but said they will respond at the appropriate time.
Sarkodie and Akwaboah’s version:
Daasebre Gyamenah and Lord Kenya’s version: