Ghanaian highlife and afrobeats artist Kuami Eugene has addressed ongoing accusations of song theft during an interview on Hitz FM on October 21.
Responding to claims that he samples music from other musicians without proper credit, he stated, “I don’t ‘steal’ music,” asserting that he draws inspiration from various sources to create his unique sound.
Eugene emphasized that sampling and borrowing elements from other artists is a common practice in the music industry. He referenced iconic figures like Michael Jackson and contemporary artists such as Davido and Wizkid, highlighting that taking lines or melodies is part of the creative process.
“There’s nothing wrong with taking a line or two and modifying it to fit my style,” he explained.
Despite his efforts to clarify his approach to music-making, Kuami Eugene expressed frustration over the criticism he faces compared to other artists. He noted, “Many artists can get away with it, but for me, it’s like every time I release a hit that includes a line reminiscent of another artist’s work, I’m criticized.”
He described this scrutiny as disheartening, considering the effort he invests in making his music original while also drawing inspiration.
Eugene concluded by reinforcing the idea that music is an evolving art form, thriving on collaboration and inspiration, with the ultimate goal of creating something that resonates with audiences.
