KiDi defends Kuami Eugene over song theft allegations; explains why

Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 7:57 PM by G. Hamelo

- KiDi has defended his label mate Kuami Eugene over allegations of song theft

- The latter has been accused by other artistes of using their songs without permission

- KiDi says the accusations are unfounded because sampling is an important part of the music industry

Our manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in

Ghanaian singer, KiDi has defended labelmate, Kuami Eugene following claims that he is fond of stealing songs by other people.

The likes of Mr. Drew and other artistes have accused Eugene of using lyrics by other people without their permission.

Kidi defends Kuami Eugene over song theft allegations; explains why — Source: user-generated
Source: Instagram

In a new interview, KiDi defended the Open Gate act adding that sampling is an important part of the music industry.

"Sampling is a great part of music. Listen to the biggest songs from the world. They were all sampled. Beyonce, Michael Jackson but over here when you sample a song, it's like 'eh, you are not talented,'" stated the 'Enjoyment' hitmaker in an interview on TV3.

Read also

Sarkodie: I sought George Darko's permission to use his song on 'Coachella'

"Kanye West, his whole album is sampled. Like every song is sampledhyu. Drake. It's an integral part of music. It makes music live on but over here, it's like 'eh.' Sampling is a very important part of music."

In April 2021, YEN.com.gh reported that Mr. Drew, known professionally as Andrews Commey Otoo, stated that Eugene is an expert in stealing songs by other artistes.

During a chat with Abeiku Santana on Okay FM while responding to allegations, he claimed that the latter is known for using other artistes' compositions in songs that he releases.

In 2020, the official video for Drew's song, Eat, featuring Stonebwoy was deleted off Youtube after a report that it illegally sampled Love Riddim by Nigerian-American artiste, Rotimi. He was accused of copying the sound of No Dulling by Keche, featuring Kuami Eugene.

In his defense, Mr. Drew said he is not the first artiste to 'steal' songs belonging to other artistes, and that Kuami Eugene does the same. "Kuami Eugene started stealing songs before me. He has a scholarship in it," retorted Drew to Abeiku Santana on Okay FM.