Ghanaian highlife and afrobeats artist Kuami Eugene has addressed multiple accusations claiming that he steals songs by sampling music from other musicians.
In an interview on Hitz FM on October 21, Kuami Eugene clarified misconceptions about his creative process.
“I don’t ‘steal’ music,” he asserted firmly, addressing the persistent rumors surrounding his work. He emphasized that, as an artist, he draws inspiration from various sources and often incorporates unique elements to create his own sound.
“Every artist takes influences from different places,” he explained, highlighting the collaborative nature of the music industry.
Referencing legendary figures like Michael Jackson and popular Nigerian artists such as Davido and Wizkid, Kuami Eugene argued that borrowing lines or melodies is a common practice in the music industry.
“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 justifying his approach to sampling songs, Kuami Eugene expressed his discontent with the criticism he faces compared to other artists.
“I feel like many artists can get away with it, but for me, it’s as if every time I release a hit that includes a line reminiscent of another artist’s work, I’m criticized. It’s disheartening because I put a lot of effort into making my music original while drawing inspiration,” he lamented.
His comments underscore the ongoing discussion about creativity and uniqueness in the music business. He further emphasized 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.
