Team Eternity Ghana accused of song theft

Team Eternity Ghana may face legal action for allegedly using parts of Hallelujah Voice’s song “Defe Defe” in their new track.

In a Facebook post, Kwame Mickey, the executive producer of Hallelujah Voices’ “Defe Defe,” claimed that Team Eternity Ghana has infringed on his copyright by incorporating the “defe defe” line into their latest hit.

He wrote: “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.”

The controversy surrounding Team Eternity Ghana allegedly using parts of Hallelujah Voice’s song “Defe Defe” for their new track has ignited debates on social media.

Some argue that “Defe Defe” is not a unique expression coined by Hallelujah Voices, thus they cannot claim ownership. Others point out lyrical similarities between the songs. Hallelujah Voices’ lyrics include “manhyia Nyame a anka ɔbonsam ayɛ me defe defe,” while Team Eternity’s version is “manhyia Nyame a anka y’ayɛ me defe defe.”

In Twi, “defe defe” is an adverb describing the severity of an unpleasant situation, with synonyms such as “pasa pasa” and “basa basa.” Despite structural differences in the rhythmic patterns and melodic phrases of the two songs, Kwame Mickey, the executive producer for Hallelujah Voices, insists there are notable lyrical similarities.

The song “Defe Defe” by Hallelujah Voices, written by Osuani Afrifa and produced by Kwame Mickey for Kaakyire Music Productions, was released in 2004.

Mickey is building a case based on these lyrical resemblances, asserting that Team Eternity Ghana has infringed on the original song’s copyright by incorporating the “defe defe” line into their latest hit.

In the meantime, Team Eternity Ghana is yet to respond to the allegation.