Abdul Razak Amissah, better known as Zack, former manager and creative partner to Kumawood star Lilwin (Kwadwo Nkansah), has accused the actor of appropriating ownership of the song “Tia Tia Break”, a track Zack claims he wrote and produced years earlier.
Zack: The Brain Behind the Song
In an interview with ZionFelix, Zack revealed that he wrote more than four hit songs for Lilwin, naming “Tia Tia Break” among them, alongside tracks like “I Don’t Think Far”, “Mama Boss Papa”, and “What’s My According to Zack, their collaboration started in the studio after Lilwin expressed interest in propelling his music career, a move Zack orchestrated. He claims to have co-written the songs during studio sessions in Kumasi.
Zack asserted that Lilwin later claimed sole ownership of “Tia Tia Break”, without acknowledging Zack’s role at all. He further alleges that the track was released under Lilwin’s name only, denying Zack the recognition he believes he rightly deserves.
Decade of Collaboration and Fallout
The relationship between manager and artist lasted around eight years and yielded significant earnings. Zack stated he received commissions on Lilwin’s music and business ventures, amassing substantial wealth—including a GH₵520,000 Lexus he purchased with proceeds from the partnership (ZionFelix.net, Yen.com.gh – Ghana news.).
Tensions escalated in 2017 when media reports linked Lilwin to song theft allegations following the release of “Corner Corner”, which critics compared to Patapaa’s hit “One Corner” (Adomonline.com). Though that was a separate controversy, it foreshadowed growing distrust between the duo.
Lilwin’s Rebuttal and Counterclaims
Lilwin has publicly denied most of Zack’s claims. In May 2019, he asserted that Zack did not discover him, stating he was already acting in films before meeting him, and that financial advances came mostly from Lilwin himself. He emphasized that any profit-sharing terms with Zack were mutually agreed—typically 15% from contracts and 10% from shows—and that he supported Zack’s travels and ventures financially (GhPage).
During a live TV appearance in June 2019, Lilwin tearfully accused Zack of extorting GH₵5,000 in exchange for returning control of his social media accounts, which Zack allegedly locked after their fallout (GhPage).
Where Things Stand Now
| Issue | Zack’s Claim | Lilwin’s Response |
|---|---|---|
| Authorship of “Tia Tia Break” | Zack co-wrote the song; Lilwin claimed it fully | Lilwin denies, claiming he writes some songs and acknowledges revenues |
| Financial arrangements | Zack earned from royalties and career services | Lilwin says he paid Zack agreed percentages and supported him |
| Social media conflict | Lilwin’s accounts were withheld until payment | Lilwin labelled it as extortion during conflict |
Industry and Public Reactions
Observers note that disputes over songwriting credits and royalties are surprisingly common in Ghana’s entertainment industry, often exacerbated by informal agreements and blurred legal boundaries. Fans and pundits alike have reported long-standing concerns about Lilwin’s handling of collaborators’ contributions, though reactions remain divided.
Some echo Lilwin’s sentiment: “Who discovers me is not Zack my career started before him.” Others side with Zack, calling Lilwin ungrateful and pointing to multiple testimonies that Zack helped build his career from the ground up.
What’s Next?
So far, neither public statements nor lawsuits have confirmed formal claims about “Tia Tia Break”. Without music publishing records or legal documents, the question of rightful ownership remains unverified.
Zack has indicated he’s exploring legal options, while Lilwin continues his acting and music career. As the debate plays out on social media and within entertainment circles, both sides are maintaining staunch positions and the controversy is far from resolved.