Video sharing App,TikTok, one of the world's most popular social media platforms, has recently been involved in a dispute with major music labels. Universal Music Group (UMG) has been leading the charge, resulting in the removal of several popular songs from the app.
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One of the most notable removals was the popular song "iPlan" by Dlala Thukzin, which was removed due to UMG's intervention after failed negotiations with TikTok over artist revenue. This is just one of many songs that have been removed from the app in recent weeks. The dispute centres around the amount of revenue that artists receive from TikTok when their songs are used on the platform. TikTok is known for its viral dance trends and challenges, which often feature popular songs. However, major music labels argue that they are not receiving a fair share of the revenue generated by these viral trends. UMG has been particularly vocal about the issue and has been taking action to address it. In addition to removing songs from TikTok, the label has also been pushing for higher royalties for its artists. This has led to a tense standoff between UMG and TikTok, with no clear resolution in sight.
REMOVAL OF THE SONG
The removal of popular songs from TikTok has disappointed many users, who have come to rely on the platform for discovering new music and participating in viral trends. However, the dispute between UMG and TikTok is a reminder of the complex relationships between tech platforms and content creators. Speaking to ZiMoja, Dlala Thukzin' s manager Lindokuhle Buthelezi better known as Dogg Dbn in the entertainment expressed their disappointment and hurt citing that it came as shock that their music has been deleted from the platform. "It came as a shock that the song has been removed. This is sad considering that TikTok plays such a huge role in the promotion and distribution of music through content. But hey, what can we do? We're just music makers and promoters, we have to toe the line of the big bosses who own these platforms," he said. TikTok spokesperson, Keagile Makgoba, said they have found it necessary to pause the release of new music from Universal Music Group on their platform. "We do not take decisions that affect our artist community lightly and we remain fully committed to helping artists and licenced rights. holders benefit from the power of discovery on TikTok for the long term. We look forward to reaching an agreement which will allow us to get new music from Universal artists onto the platform as soon as possible." Makgoba said.
