Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the global music industry, changing the way songs are written, produced, and distributed.
While many artists and producers see the technology as a useful tool that can improve creativity and efficiency, others fear it could undermine the human element that makes music meaningful and unique.
Despite opening new doors in the music industry, AI is raising concerns among musicians who warn that it could threaten authenticity, jobs, and creative ownership.
Musician Brian Temba says AI can help producers improve their work, but fears it may allow people with little experience to gain success without developing real musical skill.
“You can never replace a human being singing from their soul,” he said, pointing to artists like Sjava as examples of genuine artistry.
Temba also raised copyright concerns, warning that AI platforms can learn from and reuse artists’ work, while musicians struggle to protect their content.
“Artists are already fighting to protect their music online, and now AI can study your sound and recreate it without your permission,” he said.
He added that the technology could eventually replace songwriters, producers, and session musicians as AI-generated music becomes more advanced.
Some industry experts argue that AI should be used to support artists rather than replace them.
They believe the technology can assist with editing, mastering, and generating ideas, but that emotional storytelling and lived experiences remain qualities only humans can truly bring to music.
“AI should be a tool, not the artist itself,” Temba said.
“People connect with real stories, real pain, and real experiences.”
Despite the concerns, he believes AI is unavoidable and should be regulated, including clear disclosure when music has been created using artificial intelligence.
American-born artist Big Sbuda said AI makes music creation more accessible but fears it weakens natural talent and years of artistic growth.
“I think AI hinders artist growth and strengthens the regular person who knows how to use a smartphone,” he said.
He said producers once spent years developing unique styles, while AI now lets almost anyone generate music instantly.
“Instead of someone spending years of trial and error to craft his or her own unique style, AI can easily be mastered by the next regular person who knows how to use that program,” he said.
Big Sbuda believes live performances will become more important as audiences seek authentic human connection.
“To get authentic, genuine human experiences you have to go to a live show and hear a live band,” he said.
He also warned that AI-generated voices and visuals could create risks around identity and accountability.
“AI can sound just like me, look like me, move like me and if you are looking at the TV screen you would think it’s me,” he said.
Despite his concerns, he believes naturally gifted artists will still stand out.
“The talented, naturally gifted artists will shine in the eyes of true music lovers,” he said.
“But I’m certainly against AI.
While some musicians and fans have raised concerns about AI affecting authenticity and emotional depth in music, DJ Kwame argued that creativity still comes from the artist behind the work.
“AI is a tool that enhances human creativity. It doesn’t strip away authenticity; instead, it gives musicians new ways to express themselves,” he said.
On copyright and ownership concerns surrounding AI-generated music and voice replication, he said fears around the technology are often exaggerated.
“Music has always borrowed and remixed, AI just accelerates that process,” he said.
“As long as clear guidelines exist for crediting and licensing, there’s no real harm. Replicating voices or styles can be seen as homage or collaboration rather than theft, provided transparency is maintained.
DJ Kwame also believes AI could create new opportunities within the industry instead of replacing jobs.
“Emerging artists, producers, and songwriters can use AI to lower costs, speed up workflows, and reach audiences they couldn’t before,” he said.
“Instead of replacing jobs, AI shifts them, opening new roles in prompt engineering, AI-assisted composition, and hybrid performance.”
He called for limited regulation around the technology, warning that excessive controls could slow innovation.
Nick Matzukis, co-founder and CEO of the Academy of Sound Engineering, says AI is simply the latest technological disruption facing the music industry.
Matzukis argues that many AI platforms are using music, lyrics, voices, and recordings “without permission”, describing it as “copyright infringement by another name.”
“Music is not just data. It is a human connection. Listeners can often feel when something is fake, even if they cannot explain why,” he said.
He warned that South Africa should avoid introducing “loose American-style fair use” laws, saying stronger copyright protection, licensing systems, and royalty enforcement are needed to protect artists.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
