Ghanaian musician Kuami Eugene has addressed ongoing allegations regarding his practice of sampling music from other artistes which many describe as stealing.
During a conversation on Accra-based Hitz FM, the acclaimed singer clarified misconceptions surrounding his creative process.
“I don’t ‘steal’ music,” Kuami Eugene asserted firmly, countering the persistent rumours that have surrounded his work.
He emphasised that as an artiste, he draws inspiration from a variety of sources, often incorporating unique elements to develop his distinctive sound.
“Every artiste takes influences from different places,” he explained, highlighting the collaborative nature of the music industry.
Referencing legendary figures like Michael Jackson and popular Nigerian artistes such as Davido and Wizkid, Eugene made a case for the common practice of borrowing lines or melodies.
“There’s nothing wrong with taking a line or two and modifying it to fit my style,” he stated confidently.
“It’s a part of how we create music, and it’s something that professional musicians do all the time.”
Despite his explanation, Kuame Eugene expressed his frustration over the scrutiny he faces compared to other artistes.
“I feel like many artistes can get away with it, but for me, it’s like every time I release a hit that includes a line reminiscent of another artiste’s work, I’m criticised,” he lamented.
“It’s disheartening because I put a lot of effort into making my music original while drawing inspiration.”
His remarks shed light on the broader conversation about originality and creativity within the music industry.
Kuami Eugene’s willingness to address these allegations head-on demonstrates his commitment to his craft and the respect he has for his fellow artistes.
As the interview continued, he reiterated that music is an evolving art form that thrives on inspiration and collaboration.
“At the end of the day, we’re all trying to create something beautiful that resonates with our audience,” he concluded.
