If you thought the plagiarism drama in Moldova ended with Irina Kit‘s withdrawal yesterday, think again. Keith Almgren, music publisher at Sweden Songs, which was behind Irina’s song “Baby Don’t Cry”, now says that the songwriters feel betrayed by her actions and accuse her of penning the chorus in question.

Shortly after Moldova’s live auditions for O melodie pentru Europa 2017, Irina was accused by Serj Coston, one of the artists that got rejected, of stealing the chorus of her song “Baby Don’t Cry” from Akon‘s song “Bananza (Belly Dancer)”.

Irina acknowledged the resemblance and vowed to change the chorus. Two days later she withdrew from the contest anyway.

https://www.facebook.com/serj.coston/videos/10207631456444217/

https://www.facebook.com/serj.coston/videos/10207631458964280/

Now the songwriters behind the song are voicing their disappointment. They accuse Irina of coming up with the chorus herself, dragging their name into a controversy that is leaving a stain on the music company’s good name.

Sweden Songs publisher Keith Almgren told wiwibloggs:

Irina says she is not the songwriter, but she blames us. Irina has written the chorus that is in the song “Baby, Don’t Cry” and she sent it to us together with ideas for verses. She asked us to co-write [the song] with her.

We accepted and songwriter Hans Olof Furberg helped Irina with verses and wrote the lyrics for the song, except for the chorus lines, and produced a backing track. Irina contacted us afterwards and wanted to enter DJ Kirumba as a songwriter to the chorus.

The chorus, which is considered plagiarism of Akon, is Irina’s fault and responsibility, as we were completely unaware of any likeness in the chorus with another.

Irina suddenly announced that she would withdraw from [Moldova’s national selection] and we consider ourselves run over and betrayed by her after having laid down the work, time and money to help [her].

We regret that she withdrew, but above all [for blaming us that] she had not written [the chorus]. We have her recording that she sent us as an .mp3, where she sang the chorus. We helped her afterwards by making a music background and lyrics for her.

What do you make of this controversy? Is Irina Kit the only one to blame if indeed she wrote the chorus? Sound off below!

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Julian
Julian
7 years ago

Really low of songwriters to “collaborate” to what she sent and have no guilt to it. If they were honest they should have been the first to said to her that it is a flawed project and not feasible. Unprofessional is the easiest word for them. If they are not outright thieves they should return the money they have been paid with.

an esc fan
an esc fan
7 years ago

”Irina has written the chorus that is in the song “Baby, Don’t Cry” and she sent it to us together with ideas for verses. She asked us to co-write [the song] with her.”

So she wanted swedish to co-write when she already had the chorus and ideas for verses? People’s stupidity and insecurity will continue to make those writers rich.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
7 years ago

This entire situation from all sides of the argument strikes me as being very unprofessional. If you’re involved, it’s time to call some lawyers.

esconly
esconly
7 years ago

Love these intrigues!!
Wait for Irina’sanswer…