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

Flo Rida’s 6 Year Old Son In ICU After Falling From A Five Storey Building

The mother of rapper Flo Rida’s son has filed a lawsuit after their 6-year-old son was seriously injured in a fall from a fifth-floor apartment window.

Alexis Adams claims that the Jersey City building was equipped with “windows that posed a hazardous condition.” Adams says these windows allowed her son to fall onto concrete pavement three weeks ago, leaving him with serious injuries.

“As a single mom to a special needs child, this feels like a nightmare. My heart is broken into a million pieces. I am devastated, angry and struggling to come to terms with the fact that my only child has suffered severe injuries due to willful negligence of our landlord and others involved in failing to take necessary safety measures,” Adams wrote in a statement.

She says that repeated requests to have window guards were ignored.

Source: News12

Entertainment

Westline Entertainment Opens Nominations For 2023 Western Music Awards

Westline Entertainment, organizers of the prestigious Western Music Awards have opened nominations for the 7th edition.

The awards schemes has 29 categories in this year’s edition, taking out one category from last year. “The ‘Most streamed Artiste of the year’ became a challenge last year as Artistes were submitting conflicting figures from different streaming platforms.

There is therefore the need for a clear definition with concentration on which of the streaming platforms we will concentrate on to determine the winner so for now it’s out, pending the board’s final decision” Nana Kwesi Coomson, head of Public Relations of Western Music Awards noted.

Works of Artistes and other stakeholders from February 2022 to January 2023 are considered eligible for this year’s Western Music Awards.

The deadline for nominations is April 30, 2023.

According to the Public Relations Department of the organizers, the theme for this year’s Western Music Awards is ‘This Is Music.’

All entries should be submitted via www.wmagh.com/submission by April 30, 2023.

The categories up for nomination include:

Afropop Song of the year

Album/EP of the year

Artiste of the Year

Best Blogger/ Promoter of the year

Brass Band of the year

Best Collaboration of the year

Entertainment Show of the year

Entertainment

Kofi Kinaata Set To Thrill At Easter Sunday Bash At Greens Lounge

All is set for the maiden edition of the Easter Sunday bash with Kofi Kinaata at Greens Lounge in Tema community 9.

The sensational highlife musician is billed to entertain patrons to a night of endless music grooves and sounds.

The easter friday bash is the first ever music event in Tema as it also marks the continious range of shows with Kianaata.

The show is slated for 9th April 2023 at 8pm in Tema.

Entertainment

Stonebwoy Reveals ‘5th Dimension’ Album Cover Art And Tracklist

Ghanaian music superstar and pioneer of “Afro-Dancehall” an infectious blend of Reggae, Dancehall, and Fusions from Africa, Stonebwoy, has revealed the cover artwork and tracklist of 5TH DIMENSION, his aptly titled fifth career album, set to arrive in stores on April 28th via Def Jam Recordings.

In addition to his current single “More Of You,” 5TH DIMENSION will also include “Life & Money” featuring Stormzy, the album’s lead single, produced by British-Ghanaian producer JAE5 (who has worked with the likes of Burna Boy, J Hus & Koffee.)

The red-hot track shows off the potent fusion of reggae, hip-hop, Afrobeat, and trap talent that has made Stonebwoy one of Africa’s most important artists.

Featured artists on the 5D album also include Davido, Angelique Kidjo, Shaggy, and Mereba, among others.

Presave 5th Dimension from HERE

Stonebwoy is an award-winning superstar who has been placing the continent firmly on the musical map with international touring, standout collaborations, and hugely popular singles since 2012.

He has duetted with international artists including Keri Hilson,, Sean Paul, Trey Songz, Burna Boy, Alpha Blondie, and many more. Stonebwoy has rocked some very notable stages across the world from 2019’s Rotom Sunsplash Festival (Spain) to 2020’s Afro Nation (Puerto Rico), 2021’s Yam Carnival (UK), and more recently the 2022 Fifa Fan Festival (Qatar).)

Stonebwoy’s numerous awards include Best International Act: Africa at the BET Awards, Artist of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards, and two Billboard plaques. He recently became the first Ghanaian artist to hit 100 million streams on the Audiomack platform. His high-profile presence on social media, Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, and Twitter ensure Stonebwoy’s close connection with fans in every corner of the globe.

Check the tracklist below.

1. Life & Money featuring Stormzy

2. Far Away

3. More of You

4. Avawulo

5. Therapy featuring Oxlade & Tiwa Savage

6. Forget 7. Secret Lover featuring Dexta Daps

8. Run AM featuring Mereba

9. Into The Future

10. In Control featuring Jaz Karis

11. Activate featuring Davido

12. My Sound featuring Shaggy

13. Apotheke with Maphorisa

14. African System

15. Where is the Love

16. Non-Stop

17. Manodzi featuring Angelique Kidjo

Entertainment

Angelique Kidjo Wins 2023 Polar Music Prize

African music diva Angelique Kidjo has been awarded the Polar Music Prize 2023.

The multiple Grammy Award winner is one of three (3) Laureates who have been awarded the Polar Music Prize 2023.

The two (2) others are Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, one of the UK’s greatest independent record labels, and Estonian Arvo Pärt, the world’s most-performed living composer.

The Polar Music Prize ceremony will take place on Tuesday 23 May in Stockholm at the Grand Hôtel.

Since the inaugural ceremony in 1992, the Polar Music Prize has been renowned as music’s most prestigious honour. It has been celebrating the achievements of some of the world’s most important and inspiring musical figures for over three decades. The prize is presented in Stockholm in the presence of the Swedish Royal Family. Each Laureate will receive prize money of 600,000 Swedish Kroner (approx. £47,681/US $57,384).

Marie Ledin, managing director of the Polar Music Prize, said:

“We are delighted to honour these three Laureates who have all made such a global impact with their music. Angélique Kidjo is an inspirational artist, she constantly explores and challenges and is one of the greatest singer-songwriters in international music. We are thrilled to be recognising her talent and shining a light on her important work with the Batonga Foundation.

On being awarded the Polar Music Prize, Angélique Kidjo said: “My passion for music has always been unwavering. Being on stage for me is like being in paradise – it’s my sanctuary. It’s my place to link and to connect with my fellow human beings. That is something that I’m grateful for every day.

“To be awarded the Polar Music Prize is humbling. I have no words to say how important this is for me. It comes with a sense of responsibility that is bestowed upon me as an artist to continue to do great work. I will do my best to be a proud recipient of the Prize through my work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, on behalf of the children, and as an ambassador of music, to help create a world in which we can all live in peace. Thank you so much for making me part of this prestigious Prize, in such a prestigious company.”

Angélique Kidjo is a five-time Grammy Award winner, a creative force with 16 albums to her name, and was named “Africa’s premier diva” by Time Magazine. Furthermore, the BBC included Kidjo in its list of ‘The Continent’s 50 Most Iconic Figures’. She was included in The Guardian’s ‘Top 100 Most Inspiring Women in the World’, and was the first woman on Forbes’ list of ‘The Most Powerful Celebrities in Africa’.

As a performer, Angélique’s striking voice, stage presence and fluency in multiple cultures and languages has won respect from her peers, expanding her following across national borders. She has cross-pollinated the West African traditions of her childhood in Benin with elements of American R&B, funk and jazz, as well as influences from Europe and Latin America.

Angélique travels the world advocating on behalf of children in her capacity as a UNICEF and OXFAM goodwill Ambassador. She has created her own charitable foundation, Batonga, dedicated to supporting the education of young girls in Africa.

Previous recipients of the Polar Music Prize include Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel, Chuck Berry, Ennio Morricone, Led Zeppelin, Patti Smith, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Kronos Quartet, Joni Mitchell, Elton John, Metallica, Iggy Pop, Ravi Shankar, Renée Fleming, Miriam Makeba, Wayne Shorter, Sofia Gubaidulina and many more.

Entertainment

I Would Have Been One Of The Top Artiste Now If Social Media Had Been Popular When I Started Music – King Paluta Reveals

King Paluta, renowned Ghanaian music artiste with the most popular song at the moment, ‘Yahitte Remix’ which features Strongman, Amerado, Qwame Stika and Andy Dosty has stated unequivocally that he would have been miles ahead of his game if social media had been widely accepted when he began his music career.

Taking us through his music journey, he highlighted that, social media today has been of great importance to him as his music career is concern. Expounding on that point, King Paluta stated that the world has come to know and accept his craft as a result of social media because music can now travel to other parts of the world without you physically going there.

King Paluta announced his accession in a recent interview, emphasizing that if social media had been popular during his musical journey, he would have gotten more mileage that he does now.

He once again advises everyone to make good use of their social media platforms in promoting whatever good will they are involved in.

Enjoy Yahitte remix here: https://yve.fanlink.to/yahite

Socials

Fb: King Paluta Music

Twitter: @KingPalutaMusic

IG: @KingPalutaMusic

Management Info

Kingpalutamusic@gmail.com

+233 (0) 246074607

Entertainment

Meet Kyn Troy, The Fast Rising Rapper From Western Region

Stephen Debrah Wilson best known as Kyn Troy is a Ghanaian Hiphop – Afrobeats Songwriter and a musician.A member of Tzone Empire Entertainment CEO of DeHydOut Recording Studio .

Born : 01/09/1999, age (23 years ) Tarkwa
Parents: Comfort Debrah – Wilson and Emmanuel Ben Debrah – Wilson
Full Name : Stephen Debrah-Wilson
Genres: Afrobeats,Afropop , Hiphop, Hiplife, Highlife

Other Names : Story Mode Activated, Obeshokiwon

Occupations : Singer , Rapper , Producer / Mixing and Mastering Engineering

Instrument(s) : Piano

Years Active : 2017 – Present

Label : Tzone Empire Entertainment

Early Life :

Stephen Debrah-Wilson was born on the 1st of September 1999 in Tarkwa, Ghana to Emmanuel and Comfort Debrah-Wilson .He has four siblings, two boys and two girls , In descending other Michael, Mercy , Elizabeth and Patrick and he happens to be the fourth born .He recieved his basic education at Gogoe Memorial School Complex and proceeded to Tarkwa Snr High School (TARSCO) .

Music Career:

Since 2017 till date , Kyn Troy has been releasing bangers after banger and has done both international and Internal featuring with Super stars like Brandon Michael Hall , Paul Hounkpati etc.
Songs like Sing For Me , No Wahala , Don’t Let Go , Super Man , Moment Of Love , Day Ones , No Title , Na You , Hustle For Tomorrow Ep and more come

Awards :

Won 2021 GMA Discovery Artist Of The Year
2021 WEBA Discovery Artiste Of The Year
2022 WEBA Hiplife/Hiphop Artiste Of the year
And couple of nominations PHMA Awards
Song Of The Year 2021
Best Collaboration Of the year 2021

Entertainment

Meet Klasikbeatz, Ghanaian UK Based Producer, Musician And Multi Instrumentalist

Emmanuel Nana Kwasi Bonsu known by trade name as Klasikbeatz is a Ghanaian and UK based record producer Who specializes in making beats for the genres Afro beats , reggae fusion and more genres

Lately, it seems the veteran producer has left much of the producing to younger producers like this talented producer Klasikbeatz but he still remains the very best at what he does.

Klasikbeatz is noted for producing a consecutive string of hits, and has played and performed with many great artiste Worldwide including Emeli Sande, Idris Elba , Reekado Banks ,Teni , Kidi ,Kwesi Arthur, Camidoh, Darkovibes, Darkoo and many more

His production catalog include songs like efya forgetting me , camidoh ghetto love , kwabena kwabena ride or die

Klasikbeatz is a producer that knows how to produce highly infectious tunes that easily becomes a fans favourite.

When it comes to having ears for great sound, His Tempo is unrivalled for miles. Indeed he is the genius.

Klasikbeatz has majored in producing so many international bangers and the list is endless because there are many talented musicians he has produced who are not given him the accolades he deserves but he still finds it as a priority to put his country Ghana at first and produce more Ghanaian talent for the global music market.

Entertainment

Meet The Rising Sensational Female Act, Daisy

Dai isy Agyemang was born into a music family and started singing at a young age of 4 during her Sunday school days.

She followed her dad, Apostle F.Y. Agyemang on several ministry trips to minister in songs of worship and praises. She is a gifted minstrel anointed with the Holy Spirit and Power to lead God’s people into His presence through worship, praises, word and prayer.

She is currently working on releasing her debut single, Consecrate me featuring Denzel Prempeh.

The song is being produced by Charles Pettingle and KODA in Audio Temple Productions.

Entertainment

6ix9ine Hospitalized After Reportedly Being Attacked By Multiple Men In Florida Gym

American artist Tekashi 6ix9ine has been hospitalized following an ambush by a group of attackers in the bathroom of a gym in South Florida on Tuesday.

The rapper sustained injuries to his face and bruises, according to his attorney, Lance Lazzaro.

Lazzaro said the rapper was attacked in and outside the LA Fitness gym sauna by three or four men who beat him up, though he tried fighting back. “He had cuts to his face and bruises,” Lazzaro said. The attorney said that the perpetrators fled after employees heard the disturbance.

Police in South Florida were called, and Hernandez was transported via ambulance to a local hospital, according to Lazzaro. It is unclear if the rapper remains hospitalized.

Hernandez was arrested and sentenced to two years in prison in 2019 on nine charges, including racketeering, drug trafficking and firearm offences in relation to his involvement with the Nine Trey Bloods gang. Hernandez received a shortened prison sentence after he cooperated with federal officials to imprison his associates. He was released early due to COVID-19 concerns after a judge called the rapper a “model prisoner.”

In a video leaked on Twitter, one of Hernandez’s assailants is heard saying, “Take a picture. I’m gonna be famous now.” Another video captured a bloodied Hernandez walking out of the gym.

According to several media reports, Hernandez was ejected from a Miami baseball stadium Friday for being intoxicated and disturbing fans.

Source: Variety