The process is still ongoing, but the court ordered streaming companies to remove “Million Years Ago” due to similarities with “Mulheres”, composed by Toninho Geraes
As reported, the Rio de Janeiro Court determined that “Million Years Ago”music provided by Adele on the album 25 (2015), is removed from digital platforms. The reason lies in a plagiarism lawsuit filed by the Brazilian Toninho Geraesauthor of the song “Women” (released in 1995 in the voice of Martinho da Vila).
The process is still ongoing — that is, there is no confirmed plagiarism — and the track remains available on streaming, as companies need to be notified and there is no deadline for this to happen. However, the judge Victor Agustin Cunhafrom the Court of Justice of the State of Rio de Janeiro, indicated that “Million Years Ago” would have strong evidence “of almost integral melodic consonance” with “Women”.
In an interview with the newspaper The State of S. PauloGeraes’ lawyer, Fredímio Biasotto Trottapointed out that the decision is global, not just national, and “unprecedented in the history of Brazilian music as it was spoken at the beginning of the process and in a case of international plagiarism”. It is worth remembering that Jorge Ben Jor has already won an action of this type against Rod Stewarthowever, decades ago — that is, when there were no streaming platforms yet — and without a similar deliberation right away.
Still according to Trotta, a video published on his YouTube channel proved, in his view, as “the greatest evidence of plagiarism brought to the process so far”. It is a record where a group of musicians, including the singer Ju Viannainterprets simultaneously “Million Years Ago” and “Women”aiming to overlap the compositions. According to the lawyer, the idea of the version — which adjusts tone and rhythm — is “eliminate some of the compositional or interpretative disguises of those responsible for plagiarism”.
The footage — which, as pointed out by the lawyer, is cited in the court decision — can be seen in the player below. If the video doesn’t open, click here to access directly on YouTube.
Toninho Geraes talks about decision
In an interview with the newspaper The GlobeToninho Geraes expressed surprise when commenting on the case. The composer recalled that those involved — Adele, producer and co-author Greg Kurstinrecord companies Universal Music Publishing MGB Brasil Ltda and Sony Music Entertainment Brasil Ltda and the seal Beggars Group — will need to pay a fine of R$50,000 if they reproduce or sell “Million Years Ago” without the Brazilian’s authorization. For the artist, this is “coffee cup” for the parties involved.
Geraes also points out that he would not give such authorization, as “they were never satisfied” for him and his lawyer. The composer claims to have tried to resolve the case with an out-of-court settlement, without success.
“They never waved a flag of goodwill, like, ‘let’s see what you’re learning, what makes you happy or what fixes you in something’. They never cared about me, the lawsuit or my allegations, so why would I care about them?”
The allegation was made publicly in September 2021. To date, the accused parties have not commented.
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
