Close This website uses modern features that are not supported by your browser. Click here for more information.
Please upgrade to a modern browser to view this website properly. Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Opera Safari
your legal news hub
Sub Menu
Search

Search

Filter
Filter
Filter
A A A

SA musician claims hit single plagiarised

Publish date: 18 March 2019
Issue Number: 815
Diary: IBA Legalbrief Africa
Category: Copyright

SA musician Daniel Baron is taking on international dance music superstar David Guetta with claims he plagiarised Baron’s 2016 hit single, Children of the Sun, says a Sunday Times report. Baron, who is signed to Universal Music, claims Guetta’s track, Light Headed, featuring Australian singer Sia and released in September 2018, has a ‘near-identical’ melody to Children of the Sun. Through law firm Adams & Adams, Baron served a letter of demand to Guetta’s management, demanding that the French DJ credit him for his work and share half of his profits. Adding clout to his fight is a report by renowned music expert Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph, who found a possible case of copyright infringement. The South African Music Rights Organisation (Samro) has also frozen all royalties owed to Guetta for the song in SA. Baron reportedly told the Sunday Times he had immediately recognised his melody on Guetta’s track. Baron’s attorney, Stephen Hollis, confirmed a letter of demand was sent on 7 December 2018 on behalf of Baron to Guetta’s management. He said there had been no response to date.

Full Sunday Times report (subscription needed)

We use cookies to give you a personalised experience that suits your online behaviour on our websites. Otherwise, you may click here to learn more, or learn how to block or disable cookies. Disabling cookies might cause you to experience difficulties on our website as some functionality relies on cookie information. You can change your mind at any time by visiting “Cookie Preferences”. Any personal data about you will be used as described in our Privacy Policy.