Entertainment
Obrafour sues Drake for $10m after rapper sampled ‘Oye Ohene’ without consent
Legendary Ghanaian rapper Obrafour is suing popular Canadian rapper Drake for sampling his 2003 remix of ‘Oye Ohene’ on his song ‘Calling My Name’ off the Honestly Nevermind album.
In the documents presented to a court in New York, Obrafour stated that Drake infringed on his copyright when he sampled his song without permission.
“Defendants released the Infringing Work on June 17, 2022, despite the fact that an agent of one or more Defendants had previously contacted Obrafour seeking to obtain Obrafour’s permission for the use of the Copyrighted Work in the Infringing Work.”
“Obrafour never granted Defendants permission to use the Copyrighted Work and the Infringing work was released mere days later,” parts of the document read.
The Ghanaian rapper indicated that Drake and other defendants following the release of ‘Calling My Name’ has greatly benefited from his work.
“To date, over the mere 304 days that have elapsed since the Infringing Work was released, the Infringing Work has already been streamed over 4.1 million times on YouTube, streamed over 47,442,160 times on Spotify, and streamed tens of millions of times on Apple Music.”
“In addition to generating enormous sums of global streams and sales across numerous platforms, the Infringing Work has also been exploited by the Defendants via other means, including live performance.”
Among others, Obrafour is seeking damages in an amount not less than $10,000,000.
He is also seeking an injunction requiring the “defendants and their agents, employees, officers, attorneys, successors, licensees, partners, and assigns, and all persons acting in concert or participation with each or any one of them, to cease directly and indirectly infringing, and causing, enabling, facilitating, encouraging, promoting, inducing, and/or participating in the infringement of any of Obrafour’s rights protected by the Copyright Act.”
Meanwhile, other defendants in the suit include writers, producers, performers, record labels, entertainment companies, publishers, managers, administrators, and/or distributors of the infringing work.
In June 2022, Canadian rapper, Drake surprised his fans with ‘Honestly, Nevermind’ but for Ghanaians, it was a double surprise.
On Track 6, ‘Calling My Name’, Drake sampled a beloved popular song from one of Ghana’s best musicians alive, Obrafour.
Drake samples Ghana’s Obrafour on new ‘Honestly, Nevermind’ Album
The sample is found at 0:53 seconds of the Drake tune, where it transitions into a house music vibe sending the song into a different type of ambiance compared to its initial trajectory.
“Killa cut!” is the chant heard multiple times.
That part was sung by Mantse Aryeequaye as an opener to the late 2003 remix of ‘Oye Ohene’ off the Ntete Pa album.
Credit: Myjoyonline.com
The Ghana Music Awards UK (GMA UK) has appointed Ghanaian media personality Doreen Avio as its new Public Relations Officer.
The announcement was made in a press release issued in London on April 30, 2026.
Organisers said her appointment comes at a crucial time as the awards scheme prepares to mark its 10th anniversary this year.
According to the statement, she is expected to strengthen the organisation’s communication strategy, improve audience engagement, and increase its global visibility as it enters a new phase.
They described her as an experienced journalist and broadcaster with a strong presence in the entertainment industry.
She has hosted and moderated several major events, including the Ghana Music Awards UK, Ghana Party in the Park, and the EMY Africa Awards.
She currently serves as a co-host on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM and also works as a presenter on Joy Prime TV.
Organisers said her academic background in strategic communications and branding adds to her suitability for the role. They also highlighted her philanthropic work through her foundation, which supports the education and welfare of girls.
GMA UK noted that the awards scheme remains committed to promoting Ghanaian music and culture on the global stage. Over the years, it has provided a platform for collaboration and recognition of Ghanaian artistes, particularly within the diaspora.
Management of the organisation expressed confidence that her appointment will help advance its mission and strengthen its position as a leading platform for Ghanaian music internationally.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghanaian gospel dynamo, Piesie Esther, has expressed her readiness to take home the Gospel Artiste of the Year, Telecel Most Popular Song of the Year and Traditional Gospel Song of the Year awards at this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
The musician with many years of success under her belt in the gospel music industry has been nominated for three categories at this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
Piesie Esther was nominated for Gospel Artiste of the Year, Traditional Gospel Song of the Year, and Most Popular Song of the Year with her smash hit, Nyame Ye.
The award-winning musician believes that she had a wonderful year in 2025, which deserves recognition.
According to her, with over 36 shows, millions of streams enjoyed by her Nyame Ye song, coupled with numerous brand engagements, she was in a pole position to outwit other competitors.
“Family, I need your love and support now more than ever! I’ve been nominated at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards and we’re going all out for the win! ,” she noted.
She called on all and sundry that “Every single vote counts, and I truly appreciate your continuous support. Let’s do this together.”
This year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards is slated for May 9, 2026 at the Palms Convention Centre in Accra.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
