Tanzanian artist Rayvanny has made a heartfelt plea to Congolese singer Innos’B to help reinstate Harmonize’s song, “Yanga Bingwa,” which was controversially removed from YouTube. The song, which had been trending as the second most popular track in Tanzania, faced removal after a copyright claim was filed, causing a significant stir in the East African music community.
The controversy began when “Yanga Bingwa” was reported and subsequently taken down from YouTube. The removal came after someone claiming to be affiliated with Innos’B lodged a copyright strike, alleging that the song had a beat too similar to Innos’B’s track, “Achour.” This move caused an uproar, particularly because the song was gaining considerable traction and was a symbol of the recent reconciliation between Harmonize and Rayvanny.
Rayvanny, who recently rekindled his friendship with Harmonize and collaborated with him on a new track, took to social media to address the issue. In a live interview with Ayo TV, Rayvanny made a direct appeal to Innos’B. During the broadcast, Rayvanny explained that he had reached out to Innos’B, who seemed unaware of the actions taken by his team. Innos’B, who was caught off guard by the development, expressed his regret and assured that he would investigate the matter further.
“I am very sorry for that but I am not aware my team was responsible for that,” Innos’B stated during the interview. “I will talk to my team.”
Rayvanny’s plea was a mix of desperation and diplomacy. He emphasized the significance of “Yanga Bingwa” not only to Harmonize but also to the Tanzanian music scene. “My brother, I am with Harmonize right now and his song has been pulled down because it was reported for having a similar beat as your song Achour. Can you do me a favour by talking to your team to remove the strike? The song is big, please do this for Tanzania,” Rayvanny urged Innos’B.
The removal of “Yanga Bingwa” has sparked a broader discussion about copyright and fair use in the music industry. The situation highlights the delicate balance between protecting intellectual property and fostering collaborative and creative environments. It also underscores the importance of communication and clarity between artists and their teams to prevent such disputes.
Rayvanny’s call for understanding and resolution is also a reminder of the power of music as a unifying force. The recent collaboration between him and Harmonize, which was seen as a sign of their renewed friendship, had been celebrated by fans. The removal of the song and the ensuing controversy threaten to overshadow this positive development.
In the wake of this incident, Rayvanny has also advised Harmonize to exercise caution in his future musical endeavors, especially concerning the use of sounds that might resemble those of other artists. “Be careful with even the slightest violin sound of another person’s song because your songs will always be pulled down,” Rayvanny warned, reflecting the challenges artists face in navigating copyright laws.
As the music community awaits resolution, the incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in protecting creative works while promoting collaboration and innovation. The hope is that Innos’B and his team will address the issue promptly, allowing “Yanga Bingwa” to be reinstated and enabling Harmonize and Rayvanny to continue their positive momentum in the Tanzanian music scene.
