A Brazilian court has ordered the removal of Adele’s 2015 song Million Years Ago from all platforms globally.
The case was brought by Toninho Geraes, a renowned Brazilian composer.
THE CLAIM AGAINST ADELE
He claims Adele’s song plagiarises his 1990s samba hit, Mulheres. Geraes’ song is a classic in Brazil, performed by many of the country’s top samba artists, according to The Star.
The judge’s decision was announced on Monday. It mandates that Sony Music and Universal Music to stop distributing, reproducing, or using Adele’s song without Geraes’ consent.
A fine of R150,000 per violation has been set.
ADELE’S SONG AND STREAMING SITES
Geraes’ legal team is now notifying streaming giants like Spotify and Deezer to comply. As of Wednesday morning, the song was still available online.
Geraes’ lawyer, Fredimio Biasotto Trotta, hailed the ruling as a win for Brazilian artists.
“This case shows the strength of our justice system. It proves that injuries to our musicians will not go unnoticed,” he said.
The composer first learned about the alleged similarities in 2021. A friend recognised his tune while hearing Adele’s song at a party.
UNIVERSAL MUSIC DENIES CLAIM AGAINST ADELE SONG
To strengthen their claim, Geraes’ team uploaded a comparison video on YouTube, highlighting the alleged likeness between the two tracks.
Universal Music, which represents both Adele and Geraes, denied the accusation.
The company argues that the similarity is coincidental and stems from common “musical clichés”. Universal has since appealed the ruling.
Geraes, however, remains firm. “I felt disrespected. This was my work, and it deserves recognition,” he told Reuters.
COPYRIGHT VIOLATION
He is demanding compensation exceeding R2.9 million for the alleged copyright violation. Geraes is also seeking to terminate his contract with Universal due to the ongoing dispute.
The controversy has ignited debates in Brazil and beyond.
South Africans familiar with Adele’s Million Years Ago might now listen to Mulheres with fresh ears.
The case has also sparked conversations about artistic integrity and the challenges faced by non-Western artists in the global music industry.
ADELE AND THE BERNE CONVENTION
This lawsuit also brings attention to the Berne Convention. This is an international treaty on copyright protection, according to Euro News.
Brazil and other signatory countries, including South Africa, are required to enforce decisions like this.
Trotta stressed its importance, saying, “The convention ensures respect for copyright worldwide.”
Fans of Adele have been vocal on social media. Many support her, arguing that music often features overlapping melodies.
JUSTICE FOR ALL ARTISTS
Others side with Geraes, calling for justice for artists from smaller markets.
The legal wrangling is ongoing. Universal’s appeal could overturn the decision over Adele’s song.
For now, however, the case shines a light on the power dynamics of the music world. It also serves as a reminder of the enduring cultural relevance of samba and its global influence.
PROTECTION FOR CREATIVES
As fans follow the story, they may reflect on similar challenges faced by local artists.
Intellectual property battles like these often highlight the need for better recognition and protection for creatives everywhere.
For Geraes, the fight continues. “This is not just about me. It’s about valuing our art and our culture,” he said.
DO YOU BELIEVE THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN ‘MILLION YEARS AGO’ AND ‘MULHERES’ ARE COINCIDENTAL OR INTENTIONAL?
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