Sonu Nigam Claims T-Series, Zee Music Stopped Working With Him Over Copyright Issue
Nigam says his copyright advocacy cost him work, but the industry has since embraced royalties
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Playback singer Sonu Nigam has reflected on the professional challenges he faced after advocating for singers' copyright and royalty rights, claiming that major music labels, including T-Series and Zee Music, stopped working with him following his public stance. He added that the industry's outlook has since changed, with the same companies now paying royalties and sharing cordial relationships with him.
Speaking on the Game Changers podcast, Nigam described his career as one shaped by changing phases of success and setbacks.
Recalling the period when he raised the issue of copyright, the singer said he was at the peak of his career, with successful albums and widespread popularity. However, he claimed that his advocacy resulted in T-Series and Zee Music distancing themselves from him, with some viewing him as an "activist."
Nigam admitted he never anticipated such a strong reaction. He said he believed the differences would eventually be resolved, but instead found opportunities becoming increasingly limited. Realising that recording assignments could be withheld, he shifted his focus to live performances, which he said no one could take away from him.
Reflecting on the present, Nigam said the music business has evolved considerably. According to him, labels that once opposed his stance now recognise the importance of paying royalties to singers, and their relationships have improved over time.
The singer also said he viewed the copyright movement as a larger cause, describing it as an effort to carry forward the fight for artists' rights that legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar had championed. He added that he was willing to risk his career because he believed the issue deserved attention. Following changes in the legal framework, he said music companies came to understand that his demands had been fair, helping rebuild trust between the two sides.
Sonu Nigam is currently preparing for his Revolution concert at London's OVO Arena Wembley on August 23. He will then embark on the Revolution India Tour 2026, beginning in October, with performances scheduled across Bengaluru, Pune, Surat, Indore, Bhopal, Nagpur, Lucknow, Chandigarh and Jodhpur before concluding in March 2027.