Edriisa Musuuza, better known by his stage name Eddy Kenzo, has entered the debate surrounding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to recreate the voice of the late Ugandan musician Mowzey Radio. Kenzo, who is also the president of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), believes the idea holds potential but only if handled ethically.
According to Kenzo, the key lies in obtaining consent from the deceased artist's family before utilizing their voice through AI technology. He argues that while AI can be a valuable tool, it's important to remember that the voice being used belonged to a real person, and their family deserves to benefit from its continued use.
Kenzo, known for his hit song "Stamina," further emphasizes the importance of fair compensation for the families involved. He disapproves of profiting from an artist's voice through AI without ensuring the family receives a share.
Expressing his own openness to the technology, Kenzo clarifies that he wouldn't object to his voice being used in AI projects, as long as proper consent is obtained from him or his family beforehand. Additionally, he suggests establishing a system for sharing royalties or profits generated through the use of AI-replicated voices.
Kenzo's viewpoint echoes the sentiment recently expressed by another Ugandan musician, Kalifah AgaNaga. In a previous interview, AgaNaga called on artists who leverage the legacy of Mowzey Radio to ensure his family benefits from his creative contributions.
The Rise of AI in Music
The use of AI in music production is a rapidly evolving field. AI can be employed for various purposes, such as:
Voice recreation: As discussed in this case, AI can be used to analyze and replicate the voice of a singer or musician, allowing for the creation of new content even after the artist's passing.
Music composition: AI algorithms can be trained on vast datasets of music to generate original compositions, mimicking different genres and styles.
Music production assistance: AI can assist human producers with tasks like beat generation, instrument selection, and mixing, streamlining the music creation process.
The Future of AI in Music
The use of AI in music is likely to continue growing in the coming years. As the technology matures and ethical considerations are addressed, AI has the potential to revolutionize music production, offering new avenues for creativity and expression. However, navigating the ethical landscape and ensuring fairness for both artists and their families will be crucial for the responsible implementation of AI in the music industry.
The conversation around AI in music raises several unanswered questions:
• How will copyright laws be adapted to address AI-generated content?
• Who will own the rights to music created using AI?
• How can we ensure that AI is used to enhance human creativity rather than replace it?
Open discussions involving artists, musicians, technologists, and legal experts are required to develop a framework for the ethical and responsible use of AI in music.
Eddy Kenzo's intervention in this debate highlights the importance of ethical considerations as AI continues to reshape the music industry. By prioritizing consent, fair compensation, and artistic integrity, we can unlock the full potential of AI while ensuring a respectful and responsible approach to this innovative technology.
