#SHOWBIZ: 4U2C concert to proceed despite copyright row, group demands apology

New Straits Times

3 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Despite being embroiled in controversies, including allegations regarding copyright and song ownership, 1990s hip-hop group 4U2C is pressing ahead with their WE 4U2C Live In Concert project.
The group, famed for their hit song "Fiona," is set to fulfil their promise to perform at the Idea Live Arena, Petaling Jaya, on Sept 15.
Speaking on behalf of 4U2C, Datuk AC Mizal, whose real name is Mizal Zaini, asserted the group's right to stage the concert following guidelines from the Music Authors' Copyright Protection (MACP).
"I would like to announce that we have received the MACP permit. This concert will go ahead," AC Mizal said at a press conference today.
He further explained, "According to the Malaysian Copyright Act 1987, via MACP, every live performance using 'live' music does not require consent from the songwriter. This is because the songwriter has transferred the ownership rights to MACP for commercialisation."
AC Mizal stressed the group's respect for property rights.
"We don't want to deny property rights. When issues arise, we will respond, especially regarding property rights. We made this reference before the WE 4U2C Live In Concert project was announced," he added.
Also present at the press conference were Shasha Marican, a representative from the organiser, Juss Event Sdn Bhd, their lawyer, Carlos Mak Chuen Yuan from the law firm Tang Kong Hai and Tui, and other members of the music group.
The issue surrounding the 4U2C concert arose when composer Man Senoi (real name Othman Masri, 72) and his wife Ramziah Mohamed Noor (62), known as Mama Rap, reportedly disputed 4U2C's intention to stage the concert.
Man Senoi and Mama Rap claimed they hold the rights to 25 of the group's songs.
To clear their "tarnished name and reputation," AC Mizal announced that the organisers are demanding an apology within 24 hours from several individuals who allegedly issued "untrue and misleading statements" about the concert.
"We will not tolerate any false statements and demand an apology within 24 hours," he warned.
AC Mizal confirmed that all necessary licences and permits from the authorities have been secured for the concert.
"Unfortunately, we discovered that a third party recently issued false statements against 4U2C. So, we demand that they make an open apology to the media and the public within 24 hours," he reiterated, adding that legal action would be taken if the parties involved fail to apologise as requested.
AC Mizal expressed surprise that the song ownership issue was raised, especially since he hadn't yet announced which songs would be performed at the concert.
"Maybe I'll sing an English, Indian or Chinese song... There must be a certain agenda," he mused.
He also claimed that ticket sales for WE 4U2C Live In Concert have been affected by the controversy. "Before this issue arose, 70 per cent of tickets had been sold. Many people may be worried if this concert is cancelled following the controversy that has arisen," he explained.
Regarding Man Senoi's claim over the 25 songs, another 4U2C member, Azam, denied the assertion.
"I have been a member of MACP since 1992 and am still active. Many people don't know that not all songs in the 4U2C collection are under the ownership of our former manager," Azam clarified.
"The hit songs were created by Joe, and I created 'Kami Rapper.' In our first album, Man Senoi only has three songs. We have two full albums and a mini album, and for each album, he (Man Senoi) only composed three songs," Azam elaborated.
"He claims that all the songs are his; I'm disappointed. This issue shouldn't have arisen. In fact, about 70 per cent of the songs are ours," he said.
Previously, Man Senoi was reported to have claimed that no party, including the concert organisers, had contacted him to request permission regarding the "sound audio" or recording material owned by Zman Productions before the concert was to be staged.
4U2C was a recording artiste under Zman Productions, owned by Man Senoi and Ramziah.
However, their relationship reportedly soured after the release of their second studio album, leading to a court dispute that Zman Productions reportedly won.