Entertainment
Coachella Sues Ghanaian Music Festival Afrochella (Lawsuit Attached)
Coachella and Goldenvoice claim that Afrochella is “intentionally trading on the goodwill” of the California festival’s name and trademarks.
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and its organizer, Goldenvoice, are suing Ghana’s Afrochella for alleged trademark infringement.
The lawsuit, filed Wednesday at a California district court comes three years after AEG (which owns Goldenvoice) issued a warning to the Afrochella festival about infringing on the festival’s trademark.
In the lawsuit, Coachella and Goldenvoice claim that Afrochella is “intentionally trading on the goodwill of [Coachella and Goldenvoice’s] well-known COACHELLA and CHELLA festivals and trademarks by actively promoting music events in the United States and in Ghana using the confusingly similar mark ‘AFROCHELLA’ and by fraudulently attempting to register Plaintiffs’ actual trademarks as their own.”
“We understand that you are using Afrochella as the name of a music and arts festival. We note that your event is part of a larger celebration that is designed to attract those living abroad (including those in the United States) to return home to Africa,” AEG wrote to Afrochella organizers in 2019.
“Regardless of the celebration or event, your use of Afrochella as the name of a music and arts festival is highly likely to create a likelihood of confusion and mistake as to the affiliation, connection, or association of you with AEG and with Coachella. In particular, the public is likely to believe that you are authorized by, or affiliated with, AEG or Coachella. In fact you have even admitted that your event name and your event were inspired by Coachella. Similarly, comments to own your own Facebook page comment that your festival name is merely trading on the goodwill of the Coachella mark.”
Despite that initial warning, and following a pandemic-postponed fest in 2020, Afrochella returned to Accra, Ghana in 2021 and 2022. However, with the festival set to expand to South Africa later this month and organizers hosting offshoot U.S. events, Goldenvoice filed a lawsuit to further protect what they claim is ownership of all things “-chella.”
In addition to the similarly named festivals, Goldenvoice claims in their lawsuit that Afrochella organizers even attempted to patent both “Coachella” and “Chella” in Ghana, and noted that the “Chella” portion of their Afrochella logo uses a nearly identical font as Coachella does.
“Not simply content to imitate and attempt to trade on the goodwill of Chella and Coachella, Defendants even went so far as to apply in Ghana to register Coachella and Chella as their own trademarks, using the exact same stylization as Plaintiffs’ registered Coachella (stylized) mark,” the lawsuit states.
The organizers of Afrochella have also “expanded their infringing conduct into the United States by promoting, presenting, and/or sponsoring at least seven different music events using the mark Afrochella’ in the Los Angeles area, and have refused to curtail their infringing use of Plaintiff’s registered marks, necessitating the filing of this federal lawsuit,” the lawsuit continued.
Goldenvoice also provided social media evidence of how music fans are confusing the two festivals, including a tweet where someone wrote, “Tbh first time I heard the name Afrochella I thought Coachella was trying to enter the African sphere.” The lawsuit also presents evidence, via a tweet, showing that Afrochella organizer Edward Elohim attended the 2018 Coachella and admitted that the Indio, CA fest inspired Afrochella. “A Coachella-themed event wasn’t going to be called the Gye Nyame Fest,” Elohim tweeted.
The lawsuit also noted that the African festival’s website is a North American-based domain, which helps it draw U.S. festivalgoers: “A substantial portion of the revenue generated from the travel tours sold on the website accessible at the afrochella.com domain name are from US-based customers.”
In addition to an immediate restraining order on the Afrochella name, Goldenvoice is also seeking “damages for trademark and service mark infringement and unfair competition,” as well as $100,000 over claims of cybersquatting domain names.
Coachella Music Festival, LLC and Goldenvoice, LLC filed a similar lawsuit last year against Live Nation Entertainment for contributory trademark infringement. The complaint was regarding an event organized and promoted by the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians called Coachella Day One 22.
Coachella and Goldenvoice sued Live Nation Entertainment for selling tickets to the event, which allegedly infringed upon Coachella’s trademarks. The lawsuit was settled earlier this year.
Afrochella 2022 is scheduled to take place on December 28 and 29 at El Wak Stadium in Accra, Ghana. Artists on the bill include headliners Burna Boy and Stonebwoy, as well as Ayra Starr, Fireboy DML, Black Sherif, and more.
Source: Pitchfork & Rolling Stone
Entertainment
Inpha Reblitive Joins Reggae Legends At 2024 Reggae Sting Concert
Rising Jamaican artist Inpha Reblitive is set to perform at the prestigious 2024 Reggae Sting Concert, sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in Reggae and Dancehall, including Tommy Lee, Jamal, Jamiel, Yaksta, Turbulance, and more. This marks a significant milestone in Inpha’s career, as he takes the stage at one of the most iconic events in Jamaican music history.
Reggae Sting, often referred to as “the greatest one-night Reggae and Dancehall show on earth,” has been a cultural cornerstone since its founding in 1984 by Isaiah Laing under Supreme Promotions. Established during a time when Dancehall lacked a major stage in Jamaica, Laing’s vision was to create an event that could unite communities and showcase the heartbeat of Jamaica’s cultural identity through music. Over the years, the event has launched the careers of countless superstars, including Shabba Ranks, Buju Banton, Vybz Kartel, Bounty Killer, and Sizzla, while also hosting international icons such as Busta Rhymes and Maxi Priest.
For Inpha Reblitive, the opportunity to perform on the Sting stage alongside a lineup of Reggae legends is a testament to his rising status in the industry. Known for his innovative fusion of Dancehall and modern influences, Inpha is rapidly becoming a voice for a new generation of Jamaican artists. Fans attending Reggae Sting 2024 can expect a performance that highlights his creativity, passion, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of the genre.
This year’s event marks a return to its legendary home at Jamworld in Portmore, a venue synonymous with the golden moments of Reggae Sting’s storied history. After undergoing renovations, Jamworld is once again ready to welcome thousands of music fans to experience the unmatched energy and cultural vibrancy of Sting.
As Reggae Sting prepares for the future, the event is undergoing an exciting transformation. The Sting team has also embraced technology, introducing a revamped ticketing platform, a new online music distribution division, and a dedicated streaming network to enhance the experience for fans around the world.
Inpha Reblitive’s performance at Reggae Sting 2024 is set to be a highlight of the event, further cementing the show’s reputation as a launchpad for rising stars and a celebration of Jamaica’s unparalleled musical heritage.
Entertainment
Rising Star Kaset Takes Dancehall By Storm
In the vibrant world of dancehall music, a new star is shining bright. Meet Kaset,Ghanaian sensation who’s taking the industry by storm with her unique sound and captivating stage presence.
Born and raised in Ghana, Kaset grew up surrounded by the rhythms and beats of dancehall. She began writing her own lyrics and experimenting with music production in Ghana. After honing her craft and performing at local shows, Kaset released her debut single “Chosen One” in 2023, which quickly gained traction on social media and music streaming platforms.
Kaset’s music is a fusion of traditional dancehall with modern electronic and hip-hop elements. Her lyrics often focus on themes of empowerment, self-love, and social justice. With her powerful vocals and energetic live performances, Kaset is quickly becoming a fan favorite among dancehall enthusiasts.
In addition to her music, Kaset is also making waves with her striking visuals and bold fashion sense. Her music videos and social media posts often feature vibrant colors, eclectic styles, and a blend of Jamaican and African cultural influences.
Kaset is poised to take the dancehall world by storm. Keep an eye out for this rising star, as she’s sure to ignite the music scene with her unique talent and infectious energy.
Stream Kaset songs here:
https://www.boomplay.com/share/music/130933727?srModel=COPYLINK&srList=IOS
Entertainment
Amos K Returns With The 2nd Chapter of His Groundbreaking EP Series
That’s the mantra versatile Ghanaian Rapper and Producer, Amos K is standing on as he officially releases the second instalment of his successful extended play (EP), “Tell Them, We Are Coming.”
“Tell Them, We Are Coming 2” just like the first one is a five-song project that highlights grim persistence, rebellion against tradition, and breaking of convention, a recurring theme in Amos K’s projects. On the opening track, the skilled rapper returns from the underworld as a “Zombie” – a song where he talks about putting in the work and letting rationality prevail over emotions. There’s no fear in his voice, he raps boldly in two verses disbanded by a melodious hook.
Any rapper eyeing the Best Rap Song of the Year award must buckle up because they have nothing on track two of the project. Crafty word smith Nii Black joins Amos K on “Nothing On Me” as they deliver the best rap song of the year.
The rappity-rap record produced by Kel Beats and 85 Savage is pure flames and hardcore rap for over three minutes. Legend has it that the “booth turned into a furnace” during the recording session. Ride on into the middle track as “Stallion” featuring S.I.N District duo Boi Mack and Spoonz follows. The Hip-Hop track, produced by Bxndit, is a three-verse open mic session where all three artistes take turns to spaz and tell personal stories of pain, struggles, and eventual triumphs.
On “Tell Them, We Are Coming 2” there is “Bad Boy 2.” The themes of rebellion, unconventional, and preaching against conformist behaviors heighten in the second edition of the self-produced record. Amos K taps Yung Demi, Nana OT, and Dess, who all bring different perspectives of being a “Bad Boy.” That hook could not be changed.
But does the rapper regret being a “Bad Boy,” find out on the final track as he sends a reflective letter to his younger self on “13-Year-Old-Me.” The song was produced by the rapper and Kel Beats. Amos K has refined his craft over the years, and “Tell Them, We Are Coming 2” presents a more mature Amos K with a better perspective and sound.
All the songs were mastered by Emunah except track 3, which was mastered by Dab Beatz.
The versatile Amos K mixed every song on the EP. listen here
Entertainment
Rison Jeneral And Strongman Bring The Heat On Christmas Banger “Chilling Sorr”
Ghanaian Afrobeat sensation Rison Jeneral has teamed up with rapper Strongman on a sizzling hot Christmas banger titled ‘Chilling Sorr’.
The highly anticipated collaboration is set to take the music scene by storm, and it’s already generating a lot of buzz.
The song, which masterfully blends the energetic vibes of Afrobeat with the infectious rhythms of Amapiano, is a game-changer.
Rison Jeneral’s smooth vocals and Strongman’s rap lyrics come together in perfect harmony, creating a truly unforgettable listening experience.
Rison Jeneral, who has been making waves in the music industry, has already racked up an impressive list of accolades. In 2022, he took home three prestigious awards at the Wassaman Entertainment and Business Awards, including:
Best Collaboration of the Year
Best Music Video of the Year
Best Afropop Song of the Year
Strongman, on the other hand, is currently riding high on the success of his recent wins at the TGMA 2024, where he was crowned the Best Rapper of the Year. This latest collaboration with Rision Jeneral is sure to take over the industry as the number one song.
With ‘Chilling Sorr’, Rison Jeneral and Strongman are set to bring the heat this Christmas season. Mark your calendars, as the song is set to be officially released on December 13th.
Entertainment
SM Militant (Natty Lee & Joint 77) Fire Shots At Shatta Wale On Bra Desmond’s New Track
The Ghanaian music scene is abuzz with the latest release from Bra Desmond, featuring SM Militants, Natty Lee and Joint 77. The song, which has been making waves online, has sparked controversy due to some perceived jabs thrown at dancehall king, Shatta Wale.
In the song, Natty Lee and Joint 77, formerly members of Shatta Wale’s SM Militants group, appear to take subtle shots at their former boss. The lyrics, which have been widely interpreted as a diss, have set tongues wagging among music fans.
While neither Natty Lee nor Joint 77 has publicly confirmed the lyrics are aimed at Shatta Wale, the timing and content of the song have led many to speculate about a possible beef between the parties involved.
Bra Desmond’s song has undoubtedly sparked a lively debate in the Ghanaian music industry, with fans eagerly awaiting a response from Shatta Wale.
Check the song below
Entertainment
The Basketball Africa League Is Coming To Ghana!
Entertainment
Kobby Brown Set To Release Global Hit “Shock” Featuring Ahenfo
Talented Ghanaian recording and performing artiste, Kobby Brown, is gearing up to captivate music enthusiasts with her latest creation – a fusion of highlife titled ‘Shock’ on December 5th featuring talented Ghanaian high-life star, Ahenfo on this beautiful song.
The release of this masterpiece “Shock” is eagerly awaited by music lovers and industry insiders alike. It is a moment that promises to be a milestone in Kobby Brown’s career, and fans are already counting down the days until they can experience this exciting new track and was produced by Sky Beatz Classic.
As Kobby Brown continues to push the boundaries of Afrobeat and high-life and amapiano. ‘Shock’ is sure to make waves, resonating with audiences across the globe. This fusion of cultures and genres represents a new chapter in Kobby Brown’s artistic journey, and it’s bound to be a chapter worth remembering.
Stay tuned for the release of ‘Shock’ on December 5th and get ready to immerse yourself in a musical adventure like no other, courtesy of the multifaceted talent, Kobby Brown.
Entertainment
Obiba Foundation, Chemarims Federation Africa, Return With “Ghana+Peace” Concert
The Obiba Foundation and Chemarims Federation Africa are thrilled to announce the highly anticipated Ghana+Peace Mass Conference & Street Jam, an inspiring initiative to champion unity, harmony, and the preservation of peace in Ghana. The event will take place on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at the Madina Market, La Nkwantanang School, starting promptly at 4:00pm sharp.
Under the theme “Protecting the Peace of Our Land,” this dynamic celebration combines a thought-provoking mass conference with an electrifying street jam. With an incredible line-up of Ghana’s most beloved artistes, cultural icons, and motivational speakers, this event is set to inspire hope and togetherness during a critical time in the nation’s history.
Dream Child Foundation has also partnered this initiative to amplify the message. Virtual Hub Ghana will be producing the event with support from Events 21 and Beenie Words.
Obiba Sly Collins himself will be headlining the performances, alongside modern stars like Shegah, Kamelyon, Kula, and many more. With a blend of Highlife, Reggae, Dancehall, Hiplife, Afrobeat, Highlife, and other Traditional Rhythms, attendees will be treated to a night of uplifting music and cultural pride.
The stage will come alive with performances by legends such as Pat Thomas, Gyedu Blay Ambolley, Amandzeba, just to name a few.
Adding depth to the event, distinguished personalities such as Farouk Al-Wahab, Ras Caleb Appiah Levi, and Roman Fada will deliver empowering messages on the importance of unity and peace-building.
As Ghana continues to shine as a beacon of democracy and cultural diversity, this event serves as a timely reminder of the role each citizen plays in maintaining peace. The Ghana+Peace initiative encourages Ghanaians to unite, reflect on shared values, and celebrate the rich tapestry of culture that binds the nation together.
The event is made possible through the collaboration of key partners, including Bethel Logistics, Virtual Hub, Events 21 and numerous media and community organizations committed to the cause of peace.
All are invited to this landmark event as it is FREE to public; the event promises to be a memorable blend of education, entertainment, and community spirit. Let’s come together to protect the peace of our land and show the world the unbreakable spirit of Ghana.
The concert will bring together various political divides in order to foster peace and unity ahead of the upcoming Ghana Elections, slated for December 7, 2024.
(Story: Theophilus Tawiah – www.BeenieWords.com )
Entertainment
Afro Songstress Nyarko Explores Betrayal In Emotive New Track “Soh Soh”
Ghanaian Afro sensation Nyarko returns with her latest single, “Soh Soh,” a poignant
and soulful love song that delves into the emotional depths of betrayal. Produced by
Grammy-certified guitarist Joshua Moszi, the track blends Nyarko’s signature heartfelt
lyricism with rich, melodic instrumentation.
“Soh Soh” explores the raw emotions of discovering dishonesty in a close relationship.
With vivid storytelling and evocative vocals, Nyarko takes listeners on an emotional
journey through shock, sadness, and heartbreak.
“‘Soh Soh’ is about the painful moment when you realize someone close to you hasn’t
been honest,” Nyarko shares. “It’s that heartfelt feeling of betrayal, and I wanted the
song to capture every bit of that emotion. I hope my listeners can connect and feel that
they’re not alone in such moments.”
With “Soh Soh,” Nyarko once again showcases her ability to merge personal storytelling
with universally relatable themes. The collaboration with Joshua Moszi adds a rich
musical texture that elevates the song’s emotional resonance, marking another
milestone in Nyarko’s dynamic career.
Nyarko is a Ghanaian-Dutch singer/songwriter celebrated for her unique fusion of
Afrobeats and soul influences. Known for her emotive lyrics and powerful vocals, she
uses music to tell stories that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. With a
growing catalog of hits and collaborations with top industry talents, Nyarko continues to
establish herself as a rising star on the global music scene.
Connect With Nyarko on Instagram and Spotify
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