Team Eternity faces ‘song theft’ allegation over ‘Defe Defe’
Team Eternity Ghana, a rising gospel music group, is facing allegations of copyright infringement from Kwame Mickey, the executive producer of Hallelujah Voices’ song “Defe Defe.”
The controversy centers around claims that Team Eternity Ghana has used a line from the 2004 song “Defe Defe” in their new hit track.
In a Facebook post, Kwame Mickey expressed his concerns, questioning the originality of Team Eternity Ghana’s song.
“Who is that Defe Defe singer? If I start right now them go say I am ‘mansonia’. What is the difference between the two songs? Somebody tell her to report and do the needful. That’s all,” he wrote. His comments have ignited debates on social media regarding the ownership and originality of the phrase “defe defe.”
While some argue that “defe defe,” an adverb in Twi used to describe the gravity of an unpleasant situation, is a common expression not exclusive to Hallelujah Voices, others point to the similarities in the lyrics.
Hallelujah Voices’ original song includes the line, “manhyia Nyame a anka ɔbonsam ayɛ me defe defe,” whereas Team Eternity Ghana’s version features the line, “manhyia Nyame a anka y’ayɛ me defe defe.”
Despite the structural differences in the rhythmic patterns and melodic phrases, Kwame Mickey contends that the lyrical content is too similar to be coincidental.
The original “Defe Defe” song was written by Osuani Afrifa and produced by Kwame Mickey for Kaakyire Music Productions.
Team Eternity Ghana, who have yet to respond to the allegations, recently rose to the No. 1 position on Apple Music Top 100: Ghana with their song “Defe Defe,” taken from their “Testimony” album.
The album, released on May 1, 2024, saw the song dislodge “Asylum” by Afrobeats artist OliveTheBoy from the top spot on May 7, 2024. The track has since garnered over 2 million views on YouTube.
As the controversy unfolds, the music community awaits a response from Team Eternity Ghana.
The case underscores the importance of clear copyright laws and respect for intellectual property within Ghana’s vibrant music industry.
