"Mom And Dad, I’m So Sorry" - Jah Signal Has Apologised To The Charambas

Zimbabwean singer Jah Signal, whose real name is Nicodimus Mutize, has apologised to Pastor Charles and Olivia Charamba, known as The Charambas, following a copyright dispute. The Charambas claimed that Jah Signal’s songs, “Shinga Muroora” and “Tengai Mafuta,” were unauthorised remixes of their own songs and had them removed from YouTube. In a social media post, Jah Signal expressed his heartfelt apologies to the couple, referring to them as elders. In a post seen by Pindula News, Jah Signal said:

Elders for life. From the bottom of my heart I love you mom and dad, I’m so sorry

1. Pastor Charamba Addresses Unauthorised Remixes And Copyright Infringement By Jah Signal
2. Copyright Dispute: YouTube Removes Jah Signal’s ‘Sweetie’ Music Video After Complaint By Charles Charamba

The conflict between the two musicians began in 2019 when Jah Signal released the song “Sweetie” without obtaining consent from Pastor Charamba. The pastor alleged that the song was a remix of his gospel song, “Kana Vanhu Vangu,” and criticised the lyrics as blasphemous.

On Friday, Pastor Charles Charamba stated the reasons for requesting the removal of Jah Signal’s songs from YouTube. He explained that the songs were unauthorised remixes of his own songs and expressed concern about the change in lyrics from gospel to romantic content. Pastor Charamba emphasised the importance of respecting copyrights, stating that he does not seek royalties or damages and has no intention of suing Jah Signal. He even wished him success in his career and offered to engage with him to protect his YouTube channel from further issues.

Copyright infringement can have serious consequences, including the inability to monetise the work and potential restrictions on live streaming. Artists should familiarise themselves with the concept of fair use and the limitations surrounding it. YouTube employs a Content ID system that automatically scans videos and audio tracks for copyrighted material. When copyrighted content is detected, the copyright owner can file a Content ID claim, leading to actions such as monetisation of the video through ads or removal of the content.

Copyright violations are not uncommon in the music industry, and even well-known artists have faced legal repercussions for unauthorized use of copyrighted material. Respecting copyright laws and seeking proper authorization is crucial to avoid legal issues and protect artists’ work. Artists and music managers need to be vigilant against copyright infringement, seek and obtain consent, and acknowledge copyrights to avoid complications and misunderstandings. Music workshops and exchanges of knowledge among musicians can also help promote understanding of copyright laws and related subjects.

This recent incident involving the removal of Jah Signal’s video from YouTube has sparked discussions among fans and music enthusiasts. Some fans expressed disappointment in Jah Signal for not seeking permission and questioned his professionalism. On the other hand, many supported Pastor Charamba’s actions, emphasising the importance of respecting copyright and discouraging unauthorised use of others’ work.

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