Efiya Otiwaa seeks apology from Ampomaa over song attribution

Efiya Otiwaa, a US-based Ghanaian Afro-spiritual musician, has demanded a formal public apology from Ampomaa, the Ashanti Region representative in the current season of TV3’s Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB). The dispute arises from a recent performance in which Ampomaa used Otiwaa’s song, "Nananom," but identified it to the audience as a traditional folk song. Otiwaa contends that this misidentification undermines her work as a contemporary creator and ignores the intellectual property rights associated with her original compositions.

The musician expressed concern that her track was used without her prior consent and was subsequently presented in a way that stripped her of creative credit. By labeling "Nananom" as an anonymous folk song, Otiwaa argues that the performer and the production failed to conduct the necessary due diligence required when using contemporary artistic works. She emphasized that respecting the origins of creative material is essential for the growth and dignity of African artists, especially those operating in genres that draw inspiration from spiritual and cultural traditions.

Otiwaa is specifically calling for an apology to be rendered on the GMB stage to ensure the correction reaches the same audience that witnessed the initial performance. She maintains that a public acknowledgment is necessary to set the record straight and to honor the professional efforts of Ghanaian artists. The incident has sparked broader discussions regarding the protection of intellectual property within the local entertainment industry and the responsibilities of reality show contestants when utilizing copyrighted music for their presentations.