On March 19, 2024, the viral track “Selos” (Jealousy) by Shaira, hailed as the ‘Queen of Bangsamoro Pop,’ was pulled from streaming platforms due to copyright concerns.
With its catchy tune, ‘Selos’ captivated audiences, amassing 9 million views on YouTube, over a million streams on Spotify, and 14 million views on TikTok for its live performance. Fans were even creating cover versions and dance performances, with over 1 million reels utilizing the song, pushing it further into the viral zone. The song has secured the top spot on Spotify’s Viral 50 chart in the Philippines just days before its removal.
However, the euphoria surrounding the track was short-lived as many were dismayed to discover that ‘Selos’ had vanished from streaming platforms later that afternoon. The reason behind this sudden removal was a copyright claim filed against the song, alleging its similarity to Lenka’s 2008 hit ‘Trouble is a Friend’ from her debut studio album.
On March 18, those behind the official Lenka account on Instagram acknowledged the situation, responding to a commenter who mentioned that someone was claiming and profiting from the artist’s song. Lenka simply stated, “Yes, we have taken action.”
Keen to address the issue and put rumors to rest, Shaira’s label has commented that their team is currently working on a settlement with Lenka’s legal representatives. They stated that their goal is to secure a cover license agreement, allowing “Selos” to return to streaming platforms. They also urged fans to be wary of “misinformation, rumors,” and “fake news.”
The label also released an official statement on their Facebook page, stating that the decision to remove ‘Selos’ from streaming platforms was entirely voluntary. They openly acknowledged that the melody used in the song originated from Lenka’s song.
“We hope that when the time comes and we re-upload the song, you will show her the same love and acceptance,” the label added. They also encouraged fans to stay tuned for Shaira’s upcoming release of more original music.
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