'Genda Phool' credit row: After backlash, Badshah gives clarification
After facing massive backlash over his new song Genda Phool, rapper Badshah has now issued a clarification. The track has been accused of plagiarism, as its lyrics were originally penned by Bengali folk artist Ratan Kahar, however, Badshah's video failed to credit him. The singer has now said the team did not find Kahar's name anywhere in records. Here are more details.
What is the 'Genda Phool' controversy all about?
The controversy around Genda Phool began after people started pointing out that the Bengali line, "Borlok er Bitilo, lomba lomba chul.....lal genda phool" is taken from a song originally penned by Kahar, a Bengali folk artist. But, the new music clip released by Sony Music India does not mention his name in the credits. Meanwhile, Badshah's song continues to climb the popularity charts.
Badshah posted a statement on Instagram on Tuesday
In a lengthy statement posted on Instagram on Tuesday, Badshah said that his team had done the "due diligence" before releasing the said song. He said Kahar's name was nowhere to be seen in copyright documents or previous recreations of the song. He added that they then went ahead with using it as traditional songs are "open for recreations/reprises/sampling, globally."
I have always valued diverse Indian music, languages: Badshah
Further, in the statement, Badshah defended himself saying that he has always valued the beauty of diverse Indian music and languages. He added that various Bengali artists such as vocal artist Payal Dev and veteran instrumentalist Tapas Roy have worked on this version of Genda Phool. He said this was done to "retain the authenticity" and "do justice to the linguistics".
Badshah now offers to help Kahar 'on humanitarian grounds'
Badshah has now offered to help Kahar. He wrote he has been trying to connect with the folk artist, but has been unable to do so because of the ongoing nationwide lockdown. Badshah requested those who have been speaking on Kahar's behalf "to help me connect with him so I can do whatever possible on my part on humanitarian grounds to put this right."
Here is the Instagram post from Badshah
Do not have the money to sue artists: Kahar
Meanwhile, in a documentary, recently uploaded on YouTube, Kahar says the song has been used several times in different Bengali songs and other remixes, without him being credited. Kahar adds he does not have the money to sue artists who have illegally used his work. Further, a researcher has reportedly written to Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, demanding that Kahar is given due credit.
