Sidhu Moose Wala’s Parents Threaten Legal Action Over ‘Phantom’ Release By Saga Music

The parents of late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, Balkaur Singh and Charan Kaur, have objected to music label Saga Music’s release of his unreleased track ‘Phantom’, alleging that the song was released without their consent or authorisation.

In a public statement, the singer’s parents said they had asked the label to put the release on hold and discuss the matter before proceeding. However, they alleged that Saga Music went ahead with the release without obtaining valid documentation authorising it.

“The song ‘Phantom’ by Sidhu Moose Wala is being released by Saga Music without our permission or authorisation. Despite our request to halt the release and discuss a resolution, Saga Music has proceeded without any valid documentation from us. We are taking appropriate legal action to protect Sidhu Moose Wala’s legacy and rights,” the statement read.

The family also urged artists and music labels claiming to hold rights or documents related to the singer’s recordings to consult them before making public announcements or releasing any of his music. They further requested that all matters concerning his musical works be addressed directly with the family.

The latest dispute brings renewed attention to the question of ownership and authorisation surrounding the late singer’s unreleased music. Moose Wala, who was shot dead on May 29, 2022, continues to have a significant posthumous music catalogue, with his unreleased recordings remaining a point of contention.

In 2022, his family had also opposed the release of ‘Jaandi Vaar’, a collaboration featuring Moose Wala, Afsana Khan and composers Salim-Sulaiman. The family had approached a court, which subsequently restrained the release through an interim order.

The latest development once again puts the spotlight on music rights, ownership and consent in the release of recordings by artists after their death.