#SHOWBIZ: Ajai apologises for statement on recent 4U2C controversy

New Straits Times

13 hours ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Acclaimed composer Ajai has issued an apology for his recent statement regarding the 4U2C pop group controversy.
The dispute centres on copyright issues related to songs the group intends to perform at their upcoming "WE 4U2C Live In Concert" show.
In an Instagram post yesterday, Ajai, whose real name is Mohamad Faizal Maas, 50, explained that his apology stemmed from a sense of responsibility for the confusion caused by the controversy.
"I refer to my recent statement on the concert by 4U2C. I would like to apologise if my statement was misconstrued or offended certain parties," he wrote.
He further clarified that he was not against any individual who performs, writes, or composes music, and expressed his support for all those involved in the creation and performance of music by others.
Ajai concluded his statement hoping that "all people in the industry are free to create and perform music, and that the ongoing issue is settled in the best possible way. Thank you."
The controversy escalated when Datuk AC Mizal, 53, 4U2C's lead singer, expressed his displeasure with Ajai's comments on copyright and song ownership.
AC Mizal, whose full name is Mizal Zaini, felt that Ajai's statement implied 4U2C did not have the right to organise their concert.
The core of the issue arose when composer Man Senoi (Othman Masri) and his wife Ramziah Mohamed Noor (Mama Rap) disputed 4U2C's plan to stage the Sept 15 concert.
Man Senoi and Mama Rap claim they hold the rights to 25 of the group's songs.
Despite these claims, AC Mizal has stated that all necessary licences and permits for the concert have been secured from the relevant authorities.