Migrant duo hit wrong note with songwriter
Source: Xinhua |
February 14, 2011, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
MIGRANT workers turned nationwide singing sensations Xuriyanggang have been banned from performing their signature song by its composer, sparking a debate on copyright in China.
Wang Xu, 44, and Liu Gang, 29, laborers in Beijing, moved tens of millions of people with the song "In The Spring" in the China Central Television Spring Festival Gala, one of China's most-watched television events.
However, that could be one of their last performances of the song that portrays a migrant's life, as Chinese rock star Wang Feng, who wrote and originally recorded "In The Spring," has banned them from singing it again.
"I allowed them to sing my song at the beginning in order to help them, but I have to stop this after my kindness was abused," said Wang Feng.
Wang Feng said on his blog that his company had repeatedly suggested Xuriyanggang sing their own songs but they still kept using his work in shows and other activities.
On Friday, Xuriyanggang posted an apology to Wang Feng on their microblog.
"No matter what, we both owe a debt of gratitude to Teacher Wang Feng," wrote Liu Gang.
"We understand and respect Teacher Wang Feng's decision. We appreciate his help and encouragement in the past and feel sorry for these troubles," said Wang Xu.
Last year, Xuriyanggang were special guests at a Wang Feng concert in Shanghai, which helped increase their popularity.
Wang Feng's actions divided China's online community. Some web users accused him of being selfish, while others said he was simply protecting his rights.
"I like both Wang Feng and Xuriyanggang. This is a win-win situation because it both protects Wang's great efforts and lets Xuriyanggang know they should have their own songs," a web user named "Zhuidix" wrote on t.sina.com.cn.
"This controversy reminds us the importance of copyright in music industry," said Liu Ping, Deputy Director General of Music Copyright Society of China.
Xuriyanggang became stars after singing the song during a drinking session. A friend recorded the performance on a cell phone and uploaded it online where it became an Internet sensation.
Wang Xu, 44, and Liu Gang, 29, laborers in Beijing, moved tens of millions of people with the song "In The Spring" in the China Central Television Spring Festival Gala, one of China's most-watched television events.
However, that could be one of their last performances of the song that portrays a migrant's life, as Chinese rock star Wang Feng, who wrote and originally recorded "In The Spring," has banned them from singing it again.
"I allowed them to sing my song at the beginning in order to help them, but I have to stop this after my kindness was abused," said Wang Feng.
Wang Feng said on his blog that his company had repeatedly suggested Xuriyanggang sing their own songs but they still kept using his work in shows and other activities.
On Friday, Xuriyanggang posted an apology to Wang Feng on their microblog.
"No matter what, we both owe a debt of gratitude to Teacher Wang Feng," wrote Liu Gang.
"We understand and respect Teacher Wang Feng's decision. We appreciate his help and encouragement in the past and feel sorry for these troubles," said Wang Xu.
Last year, Xuriyanggang were special guests at a Wang Feng concert in Shanghai, which helped increase their popularity.
Wang Feng's actions divided China's online community. Some web users accused him of being selfish, while others said he was simply protecting his rights.
"I like both Wang Feng and Xuriyanggang. This is a win-win situation because it both protects Wang's great efforts and lets Xuriyanggang know they should have their own songs," a web user named "Zhuidix" wrote on t.sina.com.cn.
"This controversy reminds us the importance of copyright in music industry," said Liu Ping, Deputy Director General of Music Copyright Society of China.
Xuriyanggang became stars after singing the song during a drinking session. A friend recorded the performance on a cell phone and uploaded it online where it became an Internet sensation.
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