The record label representing British singer Jorja Smith is demanding a share of royalties from a TikTok-viral track, alleging the song used an AI-cloned version of her voice without permission. The case has ignited a fierce debate about copyright, artist rights, and the need for regulation in the age of artificial intelligence in music.
The Viral Track and the AI Allegation
The song in question, 'I Run' by British dance act Haven, surged in popularity last October. It climbed to No. 11 on the US Spotify chart and No. 25 globally, positioning it for a potential UK and US chart entry. However, its success was short-lived. Streaming services removed the track following takedown notices issued by Smith's label, Famm, alongside industry bodies the RIAA and IFPI.
The central allegation is that the song infringed copyright by using an AI-generated vocal that impersonated Jorja Smith, misleading listeners into believing it was an unreleased original. Social media posts from Haven often used the hashtag #jorjasmith, and a fabricated video even appeared to show rapper Offset playing the track during a Boiler Room set, further fuelling the misconception.
Harrison Walker of Haven later confirmed to Billboard that the uncredited, apparently female vocals were his own, processed through the generative AI platform Suno. "As a songwriter and producer I enjoy using new tools, techniques and staying on the cutting edge of what’s happening," Walker stated.
Label Accuses 'Marketing Strategy' of Public Confusion
In a detailed statement on Instagram, Famm claimed that after 'I Run' went viral, Haven's team approached them to ask Jorja Smith to feature on an official remix. The label alleges this was an attempt to "legitimise the track" after the public had been led to believe they were hearing Smith's voice. Famm says it declined the offer, suspecting AI had been used from the start.
The label accused Haven and associated distributors of relying on "public confusion as a key part of the marketing strategy." Famm argued the team could have clarified Smith was not involved but instead "appeared to revel in the confusion that had been created." The situation caused collateral damage for another musician who performs under the name Haven, who received abuse from commenters accusing her of being an AI creation.
Following the takedown, a re-recorded version of 'I Run' featuring vocals by Kaitlin Aragon was released and charted at No. 37 in the UK last week. However, Famm maintains its position, believing even this new top line was created using AI models trained on Smith's catalogue, and that both versions infringe on her rights.
Broader Implications and the Call for AI Guardrails
This case sits within a wider, contentious landscape. Major record labels, including Sony Music and Universal Music Group, are currently engaged in litigation against Suno, alleging its AI model was trained on copyrighted works without permission. Warner Music Group has since struck a deal with the AI firm.
Famm's statement framed the issue as part of a systemic problem. "This isn’t about Jorja. It’s bigger than one artist or one song," they wrote, highlighting creators as "collateral damage in the race by governments and corporations towards AI dominance."
The label issued a clear call to action, demanding that AI-generated music be clearly labelled so the public can make informed choices, and that creators whose work is used to train AI models are properly credited and compensated. "I Run seems to be a clear example of why we all need to step up and push for some guardrails before the moment is completely lost," the statement concluded.
Spotify confirmed it detected the impersonation, removed the song, and has not paid out any royalties. The incident follows other AI chart successes, including three AI-generated songs topping global viral charts in mid-November, underscoring the pressing need for industry-wide solutions.
