Samidoh’s Kikuyu ballad Wendo wa Ihera – Toxic Love has been restored on YouTube. The singer announced the news on February 10, encouraging his fans to continue streaming the song.
He shared a screenshot of the song cover, writing in Kikuyu: “Múndú wa kïúnuhu Ndagiragia wa Kío agïe,” which loosely translates to “No amount of setbacks can stop my star from shining.”
Why the Song Was Taken Down
The track was pulled down a week ago over copyright claims, just as it had gained over 4.7 million views. The claim was lodged by gospel artists SK Ruri and Morey Wakibiru, who alleged that Wendo wa Ihera closely resembled Ruri’s 2020 gospel track Thutha wa Maundu.
According to Ruri, “The melody was replicated across all four verses and interludes, sparking a heated legal battle over intellectual property rights. Artistes can borrow inspiration, but consent and credit are non-negotiable.”
The gospel singer, known for his transition from secular to gospel music, revealed that he had reached out to Samidoh on Christmas Eve 2023 via WhatsApp.
While congratulating Samidoh as a “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time), Ruri also raised concerns about the striking similarities between the two songs.
However, Samidoh supposedly dismissed the claims as “malicious and petty” and accused Ruri of seeking clout.
The Copyright Dispute and Song Removal
Following Samidoh’s response, Ruri allegedly escalated the matter by filing a formal complaint with the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) and submitting a copyright strike on YouTube.
This triggered a three-week review process, after which YouTube issued a seven-day notice before removing Wendo wa Ihera for violating copyright rules.
Fans React to the Controversy
The takedown and subsequent restoration of Wendo wa Ihera have sparked heated debates among fans. Here’s what some had to say on Facebook:
- Stann Nesta Jr.: “Sampling a song’s beats, rhythm, and melody is risky if you have no rights from the owner. Worst-case scenario, if this gets to court, he will have to return all the money he ever made from the song, including royalties, as a fine, and pull down the track. Most musicians fall into this trap. A good example is Ed Sheeran’s lawsuit case… watu wajue kupiga research.”
- Peter Macharia: “It is true, the song was sampled, and unfortunately, the guy didn’t even put in an effort to shift the melody even a little. And just like that, somebody is going to be very famous today.”
- Triza Chege: “We can sing the whole song while drunk, so hawatutishi.”
- Regina Gachuma Williams: “Really, so unfortunate, but the good thing is the song is already registered in our minds. What toxic people 😏.”
- Faith Cate: “That’s a toxic treatment to our own Samidoh, but that song will continue singing in my head… Such a toxicology toxic 🤦🤦 what am I even saying daaaah 😎.”
- Cate Peter: “May God intervene, but the melody is already ringing in our ears.”
- Gladys Kioma: “The song is already in our minds.”
by MAUREEN WARUINGE
