Mantse Files Legal Action Against Obrafour and Hammer Over 'Killer Cut' in Oye Ohene

In a legal twist amid the ongoing Drake saga, Mantse Aryeequaye, the voice sampled in Drake's 'Calling My Name,' has initiated legal proceedings against Ghanaian rapper Obrafour and prominent industry figure Hammer. The lawsuit revolves around the contested ownership of the phrase "killer cut" from the track "Oye Ohene."
Aryeequaye's legal action asserts that Obrafour's demand for compensation without proper authorization is unjust, and he accuses Obrafour of falsely claiming ownership of the crucial phrase. The lawsuit suggests that there might be malicious intent behind Obrafour's actions, claiming that the rapper copyrighted "killer cut blood" in the United States without Aryeequaye's consent.
The legal battle not only seeks clarity on the ownership of the phrase but also involves Hammer, a significant player in the Ghanaian music scene. Aryeequaye demands that Hammer surrender relevant works and provide collaboration records, shedding light on the collaborative process behind the creation of "killer cut blood."
This legal confrontation occurs against the backdrop of the global attention garnered by the 'Calling My Name' saga, where Drake sampled Aryeequaye's voice without explicit permission. Aryeequaye's decision to take legal action against Obrafour and Hammer underscores the complexity of ownership disputes in the music industry, especially when it comes to iconic phrases and samples.
As Aryeequaye seeks an ownership declaration, the lawsuit also pursues general damages and legal costs. The financial and reputational implications are evident, emphasising the high stakes involved in protecting artistic contributions and ensuring fair compensation.
This legal battle serves as a significant development in the ongoing narrative surrounding the use of Aryeequaye's voice in 'Calling My Name.' The outcome of this case could have broader implications for artists' rights and collaborative practices within the music industry, setting a precedent for future disputes in the ever-evolving landscape of creative ownership and intellectual property.