Pastor Munishi Faustin has urged young artists to stop creating covers, remixes, and AI-generated versions of his song Malebo without his permission.
In a social media post shared on Facebook, Munishi criticised musicians who have been using his work and encouraged them to focus on producing their own original songs instead.
His remarks come amid growing attention around various Malebo covers and remixes circulating online, including a version by Hush BK and DJ Shiti, which was reportedly removed from YouTube following a copyright complaint.
‘Create your own songs’
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In his message, Munishi said young musicians should stop depending on songs created by others.
“Young people, stop being lazy and create your own songs. Some of you are taking my songs and sending them to AI. I did not ask anyone to take my songs to AI,” he said.
He explained that if he wanted to use artificial intelligence, he would apply it to new projects rather than older songs.
“If I use AI, I will use it on my new songs. But the old ones, which I used OI (Original Intelligence) to create, let them remain as they are,” he said.
Munishi also rejected claims that artists were helping him market his music.
“The song has marketed itself. I uploaded it to YouTube 14 years ago. It slowly built its own name. It was not heavily played on radio or mainstream media, but it created its own identity,” he said.
Public reaction divided
His comments generated significant discussion online.
Many social media users supported his position, arguing that artists deserve protection for their original work and should be consulted before their content is reused.
Josphat Rotich: I honestly thought there had been an agreement all along. You mean you were never consulted? If that's the case, that isn't right. You may have legal grounds to pursue the matter.
To be honest, people need to respect someone else's intellectual property. Creativity, ideas, and hard work deserve recognition and protection.
Martin Kariuki Ndege:Someone else is getting millions on a song you wrote
Others, however, disagreed and said remixes and covers can help introduce older songs to younger audiences.
Kimani Wa Ngugi:Technology has changed the game. New AI versions or covers are better than original. The new malebo is way better than your original. Were it not for AI 99% of people wouldn't know you.
Frank Mugo I sedia:So you're in business not singing for the lord.
The debate has also highlighted wider conversations around copyright, artificial intelligence, and the balance between creative freedom and protecting artists' intellectual property in the digital era.
Criticism of celebrity culture and unauthorised recordings
The musician also criticised young artists who describe themselves as celebrities while using other people's work.
“Wengine wanasema tunaoimba hiyo wimbo sisi ni maceleb. Hapana, huwezi kuwa celeb ukanipita mimi, na mimi sijaanza kuinua mabega kusema mimi ni celeb.”
He further accused some artists of recording new versions of Malebo and using parts of his original video without permission.
“Mlikuwa na ujasiri wa kuchukua wimbo wa mtu ambayo sio yako, mnaipeleka AI, halafu unaenda studio unarekodi version nyingine ya Malebo bila kupata kibali cha mwenyewe. Sio hivyo tu, unaenda
mbele unachukua video kama hii yangu. Huo ni ujambazi. Mwache huo wizi vijana.”
“The little knowledge you have on AI, use it to create your new song, then market it to make it trend on social media.”
