Fuse ODG Also Cites GTA For Unauthorised Use Of His Content

Ghanaian music star Fuse ODG has revealed his legal team is in touch with that of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) over the use of his intellectual property in a promotional ad without his notice.

In a statement obtained, the musician revealed that although he has sanctioned works in the past for government use most notably his 2018 record “Bra Fie” ft Damian Marley, which was used as the theme song for the Year of Return; which we launched via our TINA festival alongside the President, no such process was observed in relation to the recent video in question regarding our record “New African Girl”  

He sympathized with Ayat who has also had to suffer this unfair treatment.

The statement reads;

“As a company, we feel that the last few days have exposed an issue in Ghana that goes beyond the office of the President: The lack of respect and understanding of intellectual property.   

We have sanctioned works in the past for government use, most notably, our 2018 record “Bra Fie” ft Damian Marley, which was used as the theme song for the Year of Return; which we launched via our TINA festival alongside the President.  

However, no such process was observed in relation to the recent video in question regarding our record “New African Girl”   

We sympathise with Kirani Ayat. As creative persons, we sacrifice a lot to be able to put together a song let alone a whole video with high-quality production value.   

As a company we have stayed true to our own mission, investing hundreds of thousands of dollars to promote Ghana over the years off our own backs, which we will continue to do.   

Clearly, mistakes have been made by the Government in this situation, but hopefully, they can simply hold their hand up and take corrective action to compensate accordingly.   

Going forward, the solution must be to invest in more education around intellectual property. This is something the ministry can do both internally and for the creative sector as a whole. Ghana has always been an influential voice in music globally and a lot more can be done to support artists from an early stage.   

In the meantime, our legal teams are in discussion with the ministry and their legal team in order to resolve this issue.“

The last few days have exposed an issue in Ghana that goes beyond the Office of the President, Ghana 🇬🇭 …@ghanatourismGTA @NakufoAddo pic.twitter.com/PSBpah3g2i

— Fuse ODG (@FuseODG) September 29, 2022

On Tuesday, September 27, 2022, the president of Ghana shared a video as part of a campaign dubbed Visit Ghana. The video has portions of Fuse ODG’s 2018 released single New African Girl which featured Kuami Eugene and KiDi.

Beneath the deep blue sky, the Black Star is calling. Follow the stars and let them take you on a journey of our people. I invite everyone to the country at the centre of the world – #Ghana 🇬🇭. #VisitGhana2022 pic.twitter.com/2m5KC2QTkt

— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) September 27, 2022

Source: Nydjlive.com