As AI-generated covers spread, Nepali musicians fight to reclaim their voices
Summary
AI-generated cover songs are spreading across Nepal, prompting singer Sugam Pokharel and music label owner Bimal Adhikari to demand stronger copyright protection and clearer labelling. Musicians say their voices, melodies and lyrics are being cloned and re-uploaded without permission, while regulators and platforms lag behind.
Key Points
- Sugam Pokharel warned that unauthorised AI-generated content using his and other artists’ work could face legal action.
- Bimal Adhikari said dozens of his songs were altered and re-uploaded through AI, leading him to file complaints with Nepal Police’s Cyber Bureau.
- Artists and AI users alike say Nepal’s 2002 Copyright Act is not equipped to handle voice cloning, attribution and AI-assisted music.
- Global platforms and industry groups are introducing AI labelling systems, but Nepal has no comparable disclosure rule yet.
