List of Artists Who Have Conflicted Over Song Royalties, Latest Keenan Nasution and Vidi Aldiano

Song royalties often become a source of disputes in the music world. It is not uncommon for musicians who have previously collaborated to become embroiled in conflict due to differing views on copyright. Some feel entitled to the income from the songs they create, while others argue that the singer or band has the right to perform the song without hindrance.

In Indonesia, such cases have involved several well-known musicians. From Posan Tobing who clashed with Kotak, to Ari Bias who sued Agnez Mo in court, the issue of song royalties continues to be a hot topic.

Here are five major cases that have heated up and attracted public attention. Each illustrates how disagreements over copyright can lead to prolonged disputes.

1. Posan Tobing Against Kotak: Dispute Over Name and Royalties

A List of Artists Who Have Had Feuds (credit: instagram/posantobing/kotakband_)

The dispute between former Kotak members, Posan Tobing and Pare, with the band now led by Tantri, Cella, and Chua, began from claims of ownership over the band's name and rights to the songs they created.

Since leaving Kotak in 2011, Posan and Pare have demanded that the songs they created no longer be performed by the band without their consent. They even sent a cease and desist letter to Kotak. "They forbid Tantri, Cella, and Chua from singing the songs created by Posan and Pare or those worked on together," according to reports circulating.

However, Kotak denied violating copyright and stated that the band is the result of the talent search event The Dream Band 2004, thus the ownership of the name Kotak is not solely held by Posan and Pare. In fact, Kotak did not hesitate to report Posan if he continued to corner them.

2. Badai and Kerispatih: From Failed Agreement to Total Ban

A List of Artists Who Have Feuded (credit: instagram/badaithepianoman/kerispatih_)

Badai, who left Kerispatih in 2016, proposed a Song Usage Agreement so that his composed songs could still be used by the band with a royalty payment system. Unfortunately, this agreement was not reached, even though a similar agreement was proposed again two years later.

In 2022, Badai and Kerispatih finally reached an agreement that regulated royalty payments based on each event featuring his composed songs. However, a year later, Badai felt that his former band was not executing the agreement professionally. "It turns out that by the deadline I set, no consensus could be found for the greater good," he said.

Finally, in August 2023, Badai officially prohibited Kerispatih from performing his composed songs in any form. He also reminded various parties involved to respect his decision.

3. Ahmad Dhani vs. Once Mekel: Should He Pay Royalties or Not?

A List of Artists Who Have Had Feuds (credit: instagram/oncemekelofficial/ahmaddhaniofficial)

The tension between Ahmad Dhani and Once Mekel arose after Dhani asserted that Once should no longer sing Dewa 19's songs without permission, considering Once has been out of the band since 2010.

According to Dhani, Once must ask for permission before performing Dewa 19's songs, including at concerts or other events. However, Once has a different perspective. "He can't forbid it. He enjoys the results of his friends' work to elevate Dewa 19," he stated.

Due to this disagreement, Once ultimately decided not to sing Dewa 19's songs in his performances anymore. Although their friendship remains intact, business matters continue to be an unresolved issue.

4. Ari Bias vs. Agnez Mo: Lawsuit of Rp1.5 Billion for Copyright Infringement

A List of Artists Who Have Had Feuds (credit: instagram/ari_bias/agnezmo)

The royalty case involving Agnez Mo began with a claim from Ari Bias, the creator of the song Bilang Saja, who stated that Agnez has used his song commercially without paying royalties.

Ari claimed he had tried to contact Agnez personally to discuss direct license or a direct licensing agreement, but received no response. Eventually, he filed an open letter in May 2024 and demanded compensation of Rp1.5 billion.

This case was then brought to the legal realm, with Ari suing Agnez at the Central Jakarta Commercial Court. In January 2025, the panel of judges ruled that Agnez was proven to have violated copyright and must pay compensation to Ari Bias.

5. Keenan Nasution vs. Vidi Aldiano: Money Given Refused

A List of Artists Who Have Had Feuds (credit: instagram/kinan_nasution/vidialdiano)

Keenan Nasution, the legendary songwriter of Nuansa Bening, expressed his dissatisfaction with Vidi Aldiano who has performed his song since 2008 without paying royalties for 10 years.

Vidi and his team only met Keenan in 2024 to give him Rp50 million as a token of gratitude. However, Keenan refused the money. "I rejected Rp50 million because I really don’t like the way it was done, it shouldn’t be like that," he said.

He also emphasized that since the new Copyright Law came into effect in 2014, Vidi should have been paying royalties for every performance of the song Nuansa Bening. Until now, Keenan admits he has calculated his total losses but chooses not to disclose it to the public.

6. Why are Posan Tobing and Pare in a feud with Kotak?

Posan Tobing and Pare claim to have rights over the name and songs of Kotak that they created before leaving the band in 2011. They even sent a cease-and-desist letter to prevent those songs from being performed by Tantri, Cella, and Chua. However, Kotak denies the copyright infringement allegations and is ready to take legal action if Posan continues to corner them.

7. Why did Badai forbid Kerispatih from performing his songs?

Badai initially wanted to make an agreement with Kerispatih so that his songs could still be performed under a royalty system. However, after several failed agreements and Kerispatih being deemed unprofessional in paying royalties, Badai ultimately prohibited the band from performing his songs since August 2023.

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(kpl/sjn)