The management team of Ghanaian musician Mark Kwesi Arthur, popularly known as DJ Azonto is fumed over the unauthorized use of their client’s hit song “Fa No Fom” during the Vice President and the Flagbearer of the NPP’s presidential campaign events.
The management is therefore demanding US$10 million in compensation from Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
In a press statement signed and issued by the Rolls Royce Family Public Relations Officer, Sammy Anim said the song was used without prior consent during a campaign event in Nalerigu, North East Region.
“As the rightful managers of DJ Azonto’s work, we were neither approached for permission nor did we authorize the use of “Fa Nom Fom” in any capacity related to the Vice President’s campaign. This action disregards the creative rights body and also, efforts of Azonto and the Rolls Royce Family management.” The statement said.
“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. We also emphasize the importance of respecting our copyright laws and intellectual property rights.” Part of the statement read.
Read the full statement below.
For Immediate Release
May 16, 2024
Management
Rolls Royce Family
Unauthorized use of DJ Azonto’s “Fa No Fom” by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s Campaign
“The Rolls Royce Family, management of DJ Azonto is deeply disappointed to announce that the Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia used DJ Azonto’s song “Fa No Fom” without our consent during his presidential campaign events in the North East region, Nalerigu. The video of this unauthorized usage has gone viral on the internet, further exacerbating the situation.
“This unauthorized use of our artiste’s property for campaign purposes is unacceptable and a clear infringement of intellectual property rights.”
“As the rightful managers of DJ Azonto’s work, we were neither approached for permission nor did we authorize the use of “Fa Nom Fom” in any capacity related to the Vice President’s campaign. This action disregards the creative rights body and also, efforts of Azonto and the Rolls Royce Family management.
“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. We also emphasize the importance of respecting our copyright laws and intellectual property rights.”
“Furthermore, we want to highlight that musicians and the entire entertainment body are always willing to collaborate with aspiring presidential candidates, provided that the proper channels are followed. A simple call to the artist’s management can and will ensure the legal and respectful use of their work, thereby avoiding any unauthorized use of our intellectual properties.”
“We urged Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team to immediately address this issue and take steps to prevent such oversights in the future.”
“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 intellectual property rights of the country.”
Sammy Anim
Public Relations Officer
Rolls Royce Family
Source: Elvisanokyenews.com
