TECHNOLOGY: Artificial intelligence (AI) has advanced to the point where AI systems can be used to create musical works and songs. However, with most listeners already unable to tell the difference between music made by computers and music composed by humans, the trend has sparked mixed reactions from stakeholder with several calling for regulation, writes Gabriel Buule.
Almost a month ago, singer Priscilla Zawedde, better known as Azawi released a new single titled Masavu.
The song was well received by the audience, especially byTikTok users who swiftly jumped onto the sound.
Days later, the unthinkable struck the music industry as the song was again re-shared on TikTok with a voice of Uganda’s fallen music legend, Mozey Radio.
In what seemed to be like a collaboration with the dead, the first verse of the song, perfectly appeared in Radio’s voice.
It turned out that the song was recreated by a TikTok user, Eyo Shata, who reproduced the song using Artificial Intelligence software, also known as AI.
The new song truly mirrors the simulation of human intelligence processes by computer systems to the fact that the system recognised language and sound to make everyone believe that the deceased was literally part of the song.
Actually, a section of creatives and music consumers began to allege that the project could have been one of Radios ‘unfinished works, which Swangz, Azawis’music label, openly disassociated from.
Azawi shared that it might seem funny but it should be treated as copyright infringement against original creators.
She also shared that there should be a particular form of licensing that must be issued to AI users so that there can be much clearer negotiations and guidance between users and original creators.
An innovative human rights media organisation that celebrates diversity and inclusion of all humanity, East Africa Visual Artists, recently shared a concern on their X handle that AI has expanded the space and limits of creativity, but it has also blurred the lines in terms of copyright.
The use of AI in the music industry has raised concerns about the ownership of intellectual property. One area of concern is the use of an artiste’s voice to create a new song.
Earlier in 2023, Heart on My Sleeve, a song purportedly by Drake and The Weeknd was uploaded on TikTok and Spotify.
It later turned out that the song that received excellent reviews among hip hop fans, was never made by the said musicians.
AI vs Copyright
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