As deepfakes continue to raise ethical questions regarding consent and the preservation of an artist’s legacy, fast-rising Dancehall sensation Nigy Boy is the latest entertainer to have his song cloned by AI technology.
Nigy Boy’s latest song, ‘Judgement’ produced by Rvssian, was remade using the AI voice cloning technology to replicate the sound and distinctive style like that of Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Koffee, Valiant, Aidonia, and Intense to create a fabricated collaboration.
While some social media users celebrate and compliment what many are calling an epic collab, the concerns regarding voice cloning and AI-generated vocals continue to mount as the lines between human and machine creation become blurry.
This issue introduces a unique form of misrepresentation where the AI isn’t cloning the artist’s voice alone but replicating their distinctive style without their permission. In such cases, the artist’s musical signature, their unique arrangements, rhythms, and melodies are effectively exploited.
Currently the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) is taking a stand against AI deepfake technology with a lawsuit against start-up Voicify, for producing songs mimicking the voices of artists such as Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, and Drake.
Meanwhile, Nigy Boy, who is in full promotion mode has since reposted the fabricated AI-generated collaboration of ‘Judgement’.
