Music producer Kwame Mickey has revealed details about the resolution reached with Team Eternity Ghana concerning the use of ‘Defe Defe’ lyrics in their new song of the same title.
After announcing that the issue has been amicably settled, Mickey disclosed that he received both an apology and financial compensation from the gospel music collective.
In an interview with DJ Slim on Hitz FM’s morning show Daybreak Hitz, Kwame Mickey clarified that lawyers from both sides facilitated a mutual agreement, ensuring that “the right thing has been done.”
He emphasized that the financial settlement was reached without contentious negotiations over specific amounts, as Team Eternity Ghana voluntarily decided on the compensation.
While declining to disclose the exact amount received, Mickey underscored that the financial terms were private and not intended for public disclosure. He further mentioned that arrangements have been made for the equitable sharing of royalties generated by the song.
In his earlier press statement, Mickey outlined that the resolution included a License Agreement permitting Team Eternity Ghana to use the contested lyrics from his original song in their new release, under non-exclusive terms.
The dispute arose when Kwame Mickey, executive producer for Hallelujah Voices’ ‘Defe Defe’, accused Team Eternity Ghana of copyright infringement, prompting him to request YouTube to temporarily disable visibility of their song pending resolution of the copyright issue.
The controversy sparked debates on social media, with some arguing that ‘Defe Defe’ is a common expression rather than a unique creation by Hallelujah Voices. Mickey, however, argued for similarities in lyrical content, pointing out structural differences in rhythmic patterns and melodic phrases between the two songs.
‘Defe Defe’, originally performed by Hallelujah Voices and produced by Mickey’s Kaakyire Music Productions, features lyrics by Osuani Afrifa and was released in 2004.