Coke Studio made a come back with a bang after the launch of its 14th season. The much awaited first song, Tu Jhoom released on 14th January and was sung by two of the biggest names of the music industry, Abida Parveen and Naseebo Lal. The song received an overwhelming response within the first days of its release and people cannot stop raving about it.
However, Coke Studio soon found itself encircled in controversies after a young singer from Umerkot, Nirmala Maghani claimed that the song’s melody was lifted from her original song which she sent to Xulfi in June 2021 but was unable to get a response. Backing up her claims, Yousaf Salauddin, a composer himself and according to The Express Tribune, Nirmala’s mentor, took to social media to hint at a possible court case. Coke Studio and its producer who is also the mastermind behind Tu Jhoom, Xulfi didn’t stay silent and explicitly denied all claims.
To read the full story check out our article here: Is Coke Studio In Hot Waters With Tu Jhoom – Original Or Not? What’s Your Take?
Since, the news has been circulating on social media people have been quick to pick sides. While some are demanding justice to be granted to unrecognized and young artists, others are advocating in favour of Coke Studio and Xulfi who has made a place for himself in the music industry after years of contribution.
Here is what twitter is saying:
Here is a clip of Nirmala singing in her soulful voice:
Tonight on @ZaraHatKay_Dawn we begin our special show on #InternationalWomensDay#IWD2019 with this young singer from #Thar#NirmalaMaghani
The debate spurred from here:
Aspiring Pakistani singer Nirmala Maghani (below) says that the song Tu Jhoom featuring Abida Perveen and Naseebo Lal released by Coke Studio is a copy of a song she had sent to Coke Studio producer Xulfi in June 2021 – the song has not been credited to her by Coke Studio
On Saturday afternoon I received an audio from a singer in Umerkot. She claimed Xulfi lifted the melody of ‘Tu Jhoom’ from a sample she had sent to him on WhatsApp. The two melodies were quite similar so I decided to speak to professionals and dig deeper:
People demand justice for Nirmala and expect the matter to be handled sensitively following impartiality and integrity
#NirmalaMaghani accused Zulfiqar “Xulfi” Jabbar Khan of #CokeStudio14 for using her melodies without any credit. She claims #TuJhoom melody is lifted from a sample she had sent to him back in June 2021, hoping for a slot as featuring artist in #CokeStudio, Please raise the issue
There must be inquiry, exhaustively. Concern authorities should ensure credit of Nirmala.
Tuesday evening, I received a screen recording from Coke Studio, ‘evidence’ suggesting Xulfi and co had been working on Tu Jhoom before Nirmala sent the composition. CS reps didn’t tell why the video wasn’t shared when allegations were made. Here’s more:
People are vocally standing with Nirmala
I stand with #NirmalaMaghani
Give Nirmala her composition rights. #NirmalaMaghani
Full Support for Nirmala Maghani. #NirmalaMaghani
Coke Studio should not let anyone ruin its credibility and if this song or its tune or its lyrics belong to this singer, then she has all the rights to claim its royalty. This controversy should be sorted out.
We are with Nirmala Maghani, she is owner of music, credit should be given to her.
The public continues to advocate for Nirmala knowing how hard it can be for new artists to make their place in the competitive music industry
She is from minority community and biased against minorities in Pakistan is well known. There is hardly any actor,player or singer from less privileged society.
People are demanding that the matter is followed by taking legal action
Legal action should be taken against Coke Stodio— Syed Masud Ahmad (@masoodahmadsh11)
#NirmalaMaghani is our raw talent who needs recognition. Shame on biased people who look down upon singers having no parchi or high level contacts. Have some Shame @cokestudio don’t do injustice to art.
Nirmala’s version on twitter
Sue him and Studio … if she needs legal assistance we will provide
On the other hand, people sided with coke studio and Xulfi with full force. Here is what they had to say:
Some claim that according to the evidence provided by coke studio they started composing the melody back in May while Nirmala sent her recording in June.
There is evidence from the studio (recordings) that prove the song was made in May. May 16 to be exact.
Others deny Nirmala’s claims on the basis of the reputation that the involved artists especially Abida Perveen and composer like Xulfi will not sign up for something like this.
This should be investigated but I have a firm believe on mam abida that she can’t do this she must be bamboozle by the producers
My 2 cents on the matter. Xulfi has composed SO many songs since a decade or perhaps more. Why will he steal this time? Why does it always happen with PSL/CS since rockstar is kicked out of the picture? Why is Tribune publishing accusation via same journalist who posted (1/2)
Some say that the melody of folk music can often sound very similar and it is actually the lyrics that matter more.
A lack of understanding about raag based folk tunes usually ends up in controversy with someone claiming their idea has been copied. Songs in the same raag always sound similar. Even the melodies can be near identical. Lyrics matter.
But then this …
Regardless of the controversial circumstances under which I got to hear @nirmalamaghni’s voice, I feel blessed to have heard it. What a lovely voice she has. There’s indeed a silver lining to every situation and I pray she becomes a rising star in our industry IA
Certainly, the issue of plagiarism is a serious matter that must be addressed by the concerned authorities. While it is true that young artists like Nirmala find it hard to establish themselves and are often deprived of their rights, but on the contrary, individuals like Xulfi have put in years of hard work to establish themselves and produce the art they are currently producing. Assuredly, it is a sensitive issue involving the career and reputation of people and institutions and we hope it gets resolved quickly and justice is given.
The controversy might open up a new and hence unread chapter in Pakistan – that of Intellectual Property! Perhaps this is the way forward. What do you think?
