Did Freeman ‘steal’ ‘Trophy’ album title from Carlos Green?

Harare- TOP dancehall musician Sylvester Chizanga better known by his moniker Freeman allegedly ‘stole’ the title to his 13th album Trophy that was recently released at a glamorous event at Alex Park in Harare from Carlos Green, Express Mail Zim can report.

In June, Afro Fusion musician Carlos Green released an album of the same name in Chitungwiza and Express Mail Zim understands that Freeman was well aware of the development but went ahead to name his album ‘Trophy’.

Contacted for comment Carlos Green said he had a chat with Freeman prior to his launch and told him about his forthcoming album.

“Well, we had a chat via inbox and I told mkoma (Freeman) that I was going to have an album launch and my album was titled Trophy.

“He congratulated me and said it was interesting because he was also working on an album with the same name and he would see what he could do .
“I don’t know what then happened but I have no issues,” said Green.

Freeman could not be reached for comment at the time of writing.

However, the development is inevitable in a pool of creativity and according to experts, album titles are not protected by copyright because they are considered too short to be expressive.

Globally top artistes have shared the same album title .

In 2018, American rapper Drake released an album titled Scorpion and Ruff Riders first lady Eve had released an album of the same name in 2001.

Brooklyn’s finest rapper Nas released a banging album titled Lost Tapes back in 2002 and prolific hip-hop duo Luniz then released an album of the same name six years later.

On the local scene, although both Freeman and Carlos Green’s albums are needle- movers in their respective genres, Freeman’s album launch overshadowed Green in terms of attendance and choreography.

The launch was packed to the brim with a family environment theme.

Freeman has set a precedent of electrifying album launches with his 12th album titled “David and Goliath”being a high bar he set for himself when he invited Jamaican superstar Chris Martin.

On the other hand, Green has also created his ninche market with his favourite hunting ground Bar Rouge always filled to capacity on his weekly performances.

After all nothing is new under the sun especially in the pool of creativity!