Ghanaian star Kuami Eugene responds to claims of stealing music: “I’m inspired, not stealing”

Ghanaian highlife and afrobeats star, Kuami Eugene, has addressed ongoing allegations that he steals songs by sampling music from other artists. The award-winning musician took the opportunity to clarify these accusations during an interview on Hitz FM on October 21, shedding light on his creative process and defending his approach to making music.

“I don’t ‘steal’ music,” Kuami Eugene stated firmly, as he sought to dispel rumors that have plagued his career. He explained that his work involves drawing inspiration from various sources, but he transforms these influences into something distinctly his own.

Kuami Eugene stressed that borrowing from existing music is a common practice in the industry, emphasizing that all artists are inspired by others at some point in their careers.

“Every artist takes influences from different places,” he elaborated, pointing out that this practice is deeply ingrained in the music-making process. He went on to reference iconic figures such as Michael Jackson and contemporary Nigerian superstars like Davido and Wizkid, illustrating that even the biggest names in music borrow from others.

“There’s nothing wrong with taking a line or two and modifying it to fit my style,” Eugene confidently added.

He explained that the adaptation of melodies or lyrics is often part of the creative process for musicians across genres. His assertion reflects the dynamic nature of the music industry, where collaboration and inspiration are key to innovation.

However, despite his efforts to explain the sampling process, Kuami Eugene expressed frustration over the level of scrutiny he faces compared to his peers. He noted that while other artists seem to escape criticism for similar practices, he is frequently called out when he incorporates elements from other musicians’ work into his songs.

“I feel like many artists can get away with it, but for me, it’s like every time I release a hit that includes a line reminiscent of another artist’s work, I’m criticized,” he shared.

Eugene’s candid remarks highlighted the challenges musicians face in balancing creativity with originality, particularly in an industry that thrives on both individuality and collaboration.

“It’s disheartening because I put a lot of effort into making my music original while drawing inspiration,” he lamented.

In concluding his thoughts, Kuami Eugene reiterated that music is a continuously evolving art form that benefits from shared ideas and influences. He underscored the goal of all musicians: to create music that resonates with their listeners.

“At the end of the day, we’re all trying to create something beautiful that resonates with our audience,” he concluded, reinforcing his commitment to his craft.