DJ Azonto, a disc jockey, and his management have accused Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of unauthorized usage of his song “Da No Fom” while on a campaign trip to Nalerigu, in the North East Region.
The Vice President and his staff violated DJ Azonto’s intellectual property rights, according to a statement the Rolls Royce Family posted on social media. They are requesting $10 million in damages.
According to the management, “this unauthorized use of our artist’s property for campaign purposes is unacceptable” and it also fails to recognize the work that went into making the song possible.
The Rolls Royce Family, like many other entertainers, stated that they are open to working with political people who wish to use their artist’s work, but only under the condition that the correct legal procedures are followed.
“As the rightful managers of DJ Azonto’s work, we were neither approached for permission nor did we authorize the use of ‘Fa No Fom’ in any capacity related to the Vice President’s campaign.”
“In light of this infringement, we demand a compensation of $10 million. This amount reflects the value of the work and the damages incurred to the artist and management due to its misuse in such a high-profile campaign,” they stated.
The management emphasized how crucial it is to abide by copyright regulations and protect intellectual property.
They pointed out that any unauthorized use might have been prevented with a straightforward phone call to the artist’s management, which would have guaranteed the appropriate and lawful use of their creations.
“We urge Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team to immediately address this issue and take steps to prevent such oversights in the future,” the family of Rolls Royce said.
“We also request a fair and timely settlement from Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s team to resolve the unauthorized use of DJ Azonto’s song in a manner that protects and respects the intellectual property rights of the country.”
Also, Ghanaian actor Prince David Osei, known for his support of the NPP, has shared his thoughts on the copyright dispute involving Vice President Dr. Bawumia and musician DJ Azonto.
In a social media post on X on Friday, May 17, Osei raised an interesting point, questioning whether DJ Azonto’s management, who refer to themselves as Rolls Royce, has obtained approval from the German-based BMW.
He suggested that if they haven’t, then DJ Azonto and his team, who Osei believes are also infringing on copyright, may not have the right to pursue their case.
BY: APPIANIMAA MERCY
