Nakaba Dance Choreographers Palo and Tommy Smile Clash with Dope Boys Bapele Over Song Usage
Zambian choreographer Palo, alongside Tommy Smiley, the creative minds behind the viral Nakaba dance routine, find themselves embroiled in a dispute with the owners of the song, Dope Boys Bapele. The bone of contention? The usage of the song for the dance challenge.
Palo and Tommy Smiley assert that they’ve received a warning from Dope Boys Bapele, cautioning them against using the song for their dance routines any further. The artists threaten to demand royalties if the choreographers persist.
In response, Palo and Tommy Smiley argue that their dance challenge has actually contributed to the song’s popularity, helping it gain traction and reach a wider audience. They see the dance routine as a form of promotion that benefits the artists and the song itself.
This clash highlights the complex relationship between artists, choreographers, and the creative use of music in the digital age. While choreographers like Palo and Tommy Smiley aim to celebrate and popularize Zambian music through their dance routines, artists like Dope Boys Bapele may have concerns about control and compensation.
As the debate continues, it raises important questions about intellectual property rights, artistic collaboration, and the evolving nature of music promotion in the digital era.