[ad_1]
SINGAPORE – One of Singapore’s most iconic and catchy National Day songs, Count On Me Singapore, has been embroiled in a copyright dispute.
Indian composer Joseph Mendoza has been accused of copying the 1986 song, but claims he wrote its version, We Can Achieve, in 1983.
He also said that he only found out about Count On Me Singapore a few days ago.
The two songs are practically identical, except for small changes in the lyrics where “Singapore” was changed to “India” or “Mother India”.
In a statement to the media on Tuesday (March 16), he claimed that 250 orphans had performed the song in 1983 after he wrote it while teaching music at the Bal Bhavan Orphanage in Mumbai, where it is based.
He also claimed that the original tapes of his composition were swept away in the Mumbai floods of 2005.
“The only living proof that I can offer you is the 250 orphans who first learned it in 1983 and all the orphans in Bal Bhavan in subsequent years as well,” said the 58-year-old, who claimed to be a Musician graduate. Institute in Hollywood, California.
He sold the rights to the song to a Christian book and record store, Pauline India, and recorded the song in 1999.
Although he acknowledged the similarities between the two songs, he insisted that there was no way he could have known about Count On Me Singapore as there was no internet in those days.
Count on Me Singapore was composed by Hugh Harrison, arranged by Jeremy Monteiro, and performed by Clement Chow.
Harrison, who is Canadian, responded on Wednesday in the song’s YouTube comments: “The fact that he is claiming now in 2021 that he is the original creator of the song, implying that I copied the song from him, is a direct attack on my integrity and professionalism and for this I could be sued for defamation and / or defamation.
“As it is now, I wrote to you and gave you the opportunity to rescind your claim and I am awaiting your response.”
The Facebook page of the Singapore Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth also chimed in: “This is one of our most loved and recognized national songs, we are happy that it seems to have struck a chord with people in India as well. We appreciate it. To Singaporeans for coming forward to express their sense of pride in our national song. It may be a copy of our song, but sometimes, imitation is the best form of flattery. “
[ad_2]
