Conversation among experts in the Creative / Creative Corporate space discussing the length of inclusion and diversity in today’s digital space.

Efua Osei is a Ghanaian artist who combines traditional and digital art to host space for black representation, Africanism, and marginalized communities. With a passion for social change, she weaves her vision into captivating artwork, boldly embracing unconventional colours to spark meaningful conversation. Through her vibrant art, she envisions a world where colours transcend boundaries, where marginalized groups don't exist anymore.

Kofi Yeboah, Program Officer for Mozilla Foundation. He leads both Mozilla's Africa Innovation Mradi convening strategy across Africa, and Mozilla's Creative Media Awards program that supports a global cohort of artists who use art to help the public understand how AI impacts society. Also, Kofi is an independent researcher and writes on tech and society related issues with an interest in AI and inclusivity, AI and geopolitics, and AI narratives, through the perspective of the Global South, particularly Africa.

Why is the length of music tracks getting shorter lately? Is there a psychological reason behind it or a commercial agenda? Whatever the case, streaming platforms have redefined production, distribution, ownership rights, and contracting in the music industry. In this episode, upcoming rapper Keddi and Lawyer Antoinette Boama join us with hot takes on the issue and more.

Antoinette Boama is a private legal practitioner from Ghana who specializes in real estate, criminal and entertainment law. She is the managing counsel for Eden Law & Associates and serves as legal consultant to a number of artistes, record labels and NGOs. She graduated from University of Ghana in 2016 and was called to the Ghanaian bar in 2019. She assists in the teaching of LLM/MA Alternative Dispute Resolution at the University of Ghana School of Law.

Keddi is a talented Ga rapper who considers himself as an ambassador of Tema New-Town, where he was born and bred. Daniel E. Mensah, as he is known outside showbiz, is a proud Tema Manhean Native. As a music lover who was heavily influenced by hip-hop and hiplife at an early age, Keddi developed a passion to create music. This passion for music till date is evident in the energy with which he raps and his commitment to his music career. Keddi, who is popularly noted for his kente head bands, always fronts his connection to the Ga people of Ghana.

A few days after this recording, two major events happened. Ghanaian music producer Kobby Spiky won a two-year, $250,000 copyright infringement lawsuit against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for using his soundtrack "Okomfo Anokye" without permission for promotional purposes.

Veteran music producer Kwame Mickey alleged that Team Eternity Ghana's hit song "Defe Defe" sampled a track by his artist, Hallelujah Voices. He stated that both songs shared identical lyrics, composition, and arrangement, even though their melodies were different. Both parties have reached an amicable settlement.

These incidents highlight the ongoing issue of copyright infringement in the creative industry. In this episode, Adwoa Paintsil, Esq., breaks down the copyright process in Ghana, offering enlightening commentary on pitfalls creatives should avoid.

Adwoa E. Paintsil is a lawyer and an associate of the Robert Smith Law Group. She has lectured and published extensively on copyright and intellectual property rights in Ghana. Adwoa's love for music leads her to occasionally lend her voice to her favourite songs. Outside of work, she is an ‘aspiring rich auntie’ to her nephews.