Nigerian Afrobeats Star D’banj Takes Legal Action Against Marc Anthony Over Song Sampling
In recent news, Nigerian Afrobeats sensation D’banj has revealed that his legal team has initiated contact with renowned American singer Marc Anthony regarding the unauthorized sampling of his hit song Oliver Twist.
It has come to light that Marc Anthony incorporated the 2012 track into the title song of his 2024 album, Muevense.
During a candid interview with Adesope Live, D’banj expressed his initial flattery at the gesture but emphasized the importance of handling the business aspects of music professionally. He acknowledged the significance of protecting intellectual property rights in the industry.
D’banj shared his thoughts on the situation, stating, “Marc Anthony sampling my song was a highlight for me last year. His album featured a Latin rendition of ‘Oliver Twist,’ which I found intriguing. While I was initially pleased due to his stature, the absence of prior communication for clearance prompted me to involve my legal team. The track was released as the lead single and title of the album without authorization. It’s a testament to the digital era that such instances can be addressed promptly. Although I admire Marc Anthony, the legalities must be resolved.”
