Sloopy Mike Accuses Kuami Eugene of Unauthorised Performance
Highlife veteran Mike Kwadwo Gyamfi, popularly known as Sloopy Mike, has accused Ghanaian singer Kuami Eugene of performing his classic hit “Asem Kakra” without seeking prior permission.
In an interview, Gyamfi disclosed that Kuami Eugene recently released a rendition of the song online, which incorporates some of his own lyrics. While praising the younger artist’s talent, the veteran musician said he was disappointed that no consultation took place before the performance.
“Kuami Eugene took my song. You can find it on YouTube. He sang the song so nicely. The song is titled Asem Kakra. If you Google it with Kuami Eugene’s name, you will see it,” Gyamfi stated.
The highlife legend explained that although Kuami Eugene performed a cover of the song, adding his personal touch, it would have been respectful to seek his consent beforehand.
“He is like my son, so if he admires what I did and wants to do something with my song, I have no problem with it. But he should have at least consulted me first,” he said.
Despite the copyright concerns, Gyamfi emphasized that he holds no ill feelings toward Kuami Eugene. He expressed admiration for the younger artist’s talent and insisted that the situation could easily be resolved through dialogue.
“I have forgiven him already and would welcome the opportunity to meet him for a conversation in the future,” Gyamfi added.
Copyright and intellectual property issues in the Ghanaian music industry have become increasingly prominent, as veteran musicians seek recognition for their original works while younger artists often reinterpret classic songs. The case highlights the importance of proper communication and permission when performing or recording another artist’s work.
For Kuami Eugene, the incident could be a moment to engage with Ghanaian music legends and foster greater collaboration between the generations, ensuring that highlife classics continue to inspire contemporary hits while respecting the rights of their original creators.
