New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Is Canadian based reggae artiste Kafinal being sued by a major label for copyright infringement for his hit song 'Road Tonight?' Some say the song is a direct rip off of Desmond Dekker's 'Israelites' which was released in 1969.
"Utter foolishness! Rubbish!" said Kafinal in a recent interview. "When I was in
Jamaica in August, I was approached a few times about the similarity of both songs and whether I was being sued. I know nothing of a lawsuit. What I do know is that 'Road Tonight' is my original lyrics. End of statement!" he reiterated.
When asked about a lawsuit, Kafinal's New York based manager Clive Shevans said, "With all the hoopla about Kafinal being sued, I was forced to consult with an attorney and was instructed we had nothing to worry about."
Kafinal he said was inspired to record the song because of his respect and admiration for the work of Desmond Dekker.
"Israelites is a excellent song! It did well for Desmond Dekker and for Jamaica" he noted.
'Israelites,' which peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in 1969 was the first ska record to hit number one in the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Jamaica, South Africa, Canada, Sweden and West Germany. The song was used in a 1990 TV ad for Maxell audio cassettes and was parodied in the British TV ad for Vitalite.
Kafinal's 'Road Tonight' was recorded earlier this year at Anchor studio in Kingston Jamaica. Musicians who worked on the project include Sly Dunbar (drums); Owen Rennalls (Bass); Paul 'wrong move' Crossdale (keyboardist) and Courtland 'Gizmo' Wright (guitarist). It was premiered on 'The Wake Up Call' on Irie FM in
Jamaica by Ron Muschette in May this year and has since garnered rotation on radio stations in England, Austria, France, Turks & Caicos, Australia and the USA. In Toronto, it is currently the # 1 song on Carrie Mullings'
Rebel Vibez radio show which airs on CHRY 105.5 FM.
A music video for 'Road Tonight' was recently shot in
Jamaica and distributed to major music channels around the globe. It was directed by Steven Ventura.
