by Plot Mhako
Jah Signal’s 2018 hit song Sweetie’s video was recently pulled down by Youtube over a copyright violation.
This situation between Jah Signal and Charles Charamba offers several crucial lessons for artists: Plot Mhako gives an analysis of this situation.
- Always seek permission first: Copyright exists for a reason, and using another artist’s work without consent is legally and ethically wrong. Regardless of intention, it can lead to costly legal battles and reputational damage.
- Respect goes a long way: Approaching the original artist for permission demonstrates respect and professionalism. Even if denied, the attempt shows good faith and can potentially foster positive relationships within the industry.
- Understand fair use limitations: Fair use allows limited, transformative use of copyrighted material for commentary, criticism, or parody. However, exceeding these limitations, as arguably happened in this case where “Sweetie” heavily relied on “Kana Vanhu Vangu,” falls under copyright infringement.
- Be aware of online reach: The internet amplifies both success and legal issues. Even seemingly minor infringements can gain significant exposure, attracting unnecessary attention and potential lawsuits.
- Explore legal alternatives: Consider royalty-free music libraries or collaborating with other artists for original compositions. Numerous legal and ethical options exist to avoid copyright infringement.
By learning from this example, artists can navigate the creative landscape with integrity, avoiding legal troubles and fostering respect within the music community. In Shona vanoti “Chisi hachiyeri musi wacharimwa” || @plotmhako
