Days after Shaira’s breakout song “Selos” was taken down from streaming platforms, another tune by the “Bangsamoro pop” singer suffered the same fate. “Forever Single” is now inaccessible on Spotify and other platforms.
Shaira’s agency, AHS Productions, has yet to issue a statement regarding the matter.
Netizens have pointed out that Shaira’s “Forever Single” sounded very similar to “Masih Mencintainya” by Papinka, an Indonesian band.
On Papinka’s Instagram page, there are messages informing the band about Shaira’s usage of the beat that apparently came from Filipino netizens.
“Someone is using your song, Masih Mencintainya. Forever single-Shaira Philippines and making money out of it,” a netizen commented.
Ascada Music, a record label, replied, “Thanks for your attention; this case has been processed.”
On 19 March, AHS Productions announced that it was taking down “Selos” as a “voluntary act” in connection to the copyright claims stemming from the song’s similarity to the song “Trouble is a Friend” by Australian singer Lenka.
Earlier this week, Shaira appealed to her fans to stop the bashing and posting of negative comments on Lenka’s Instagram account.
The Bangsamoro singer said in a Facebook post that the negative comments towards Lenka were “inappropriate” and that the camp of the Australian singer reached out to them in a cordial manner.
“Naiintindihan ko po ang sentiments nyo dahil sa pag-take down ng kantang ‘Selos,’ at nagpapasalamat po ako dahil kahit papano ay nandyan kayo na nagnanais na ipagtanggol ako. Subalit nais ko din pong ipaalam na naging maayos ang approach sa amin ng kampo ni Lenka, mabuti at maayos silang kausap.”
As of this writing, Shaira has nearly 630,000 listeners on Spotify, with some of her songs, such as “Datu Manis” and “Pakboy (Fuckboy),” still available for streaming.