Ghanaian music producer Kwabena Ofei-Kwadey Nkrumah, popularly known as Kobby Spiky, has made a passionate public appeal to Dr. Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), over a lingering copyright dispute involving the unauthorized use of his music.
In an open letter posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Spiky recounted how his instrumental piece “Okomfo Anokye” was used without his consent to promote the CAF Awards 2018. His music accompanied videos celebrating Africa’s top footballers, reaching millions, yet he received no credit or payment.
Spiky initially confronted CAF when he discovered the unauthorized use. Although the organization asked what he sought in return and he requested fair compensation, he was met with silence. Without the means to pursue immediate legal action, Spiky almost gave up. However, with the support of a lawyer, he took the matter to court.
On Wednesday, 17 July 2024, the Commercial Court 7 in Accra ruled in Spiky’s favour, pronouncing CAF guilty of using the “Okomfo Anokye” instrumental without prior permission. According to court findings, the music had been used for promotional materials linked to the CAF Awards held on 8 January 2019. Spiky had previously made it clear on his SoundCloud and YouTube channels that any commercial use of his beats required his explicit consent.
Although CAF appealed the initial ruling, their appeal was dismissed. Yet, nearly a year after the final judgment, Spiky says he has still not been compensated.
In his letter addressed to Dr. Motsepe, Spiky asked:
“Is it fair for a young musician to have his music used on such a grand stage, without credit, and without being compensated for it? Is it right for an organization like CAF, with all its influence and resources, to ignore the ruling of the court and continue dragging this issue through legal battles?”
He further emphasized that his appeal is not an accusation, but a plea for fairness, justice, and respect for the hard work of young African creatives.
“I ask for nothing more than what is rightfully mine: justice and fairness,” he concluded.
