SZA surprises Brazilians by incorporating “Garota de Ipanema” into the new song

SZA surprises Brazilians by incorporating “Garota de Ipanema” into the new song


The North American singer had permission from Tom Jobim’s estate, but the lack of credits generated controversy

Ipanema controversy

SZA, winner of four Grammys, surprised the Brazilian public with the release of the song “BMF”, part of the album “SOS Deluxe: Lana”. The track uses an interpolation of “Garota de Ipanema”, but the digital platforms did not mention Tom Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes in the composition credits. In addition to the melody, it paraphrases the lyrics of the Brazilian classic, repeating what Anitta had already done in 2021.

The credits list Blake Slatkin, Carter Lang, Omer Fedi and Solana Rowe (SZA) herself as responsible for the song. However, the use of “Girl from Ipanema” was reportedly authorized by Tom Jobim’s heirs. The absence of Brazilian composers in the credits is the result of an error by Top Dawg Entertainment, which uploaded the album to digital platforms last Friday (12/20). The seal informed that the correction would be made soon.

Comparison with other cases and antecedents

The controversy has reignited the debate over the use of Brazilian music in the international market, especially after the accusations against Adele, who is facing legal proceedings regarding the song “Mulheres”, composed by Toninho Geraes and recorded by Martinho da Vila.

Cases like that of Anitta, who used a licensed sample of “Garota de Ipanema” on her 2021 single “Girl From Rio,” demonstrate that adequate credits are common in similar situations. In this case, Tom Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes were credited alongside composer Gale, and the song was a certified diamond hit in Brazil.

The legacy of the “Girl from Ipanema”

“Garota de Ipanema”, composed in 1964 by Tom Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes, became one of the best-known songs in the world, inspired by the Helô Pinheiro model. The song is the second most played in history, behind only “Yesterday” by the Beatles, and entered the Top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100 with the vocals of Astrud Gilberto.

With dozens of re-recordings over the decades, the song continues to be a symbol of bossa nova and Brazilian culture.

Source: Terra

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