Sonu Nigam Recalls T-Series, Zee Music Ban Over Copyright Fight, Says Industry Has Changed

Veteran playback singer Sonu Nigam has revealed that he faced professional setbacks after speaking out in support of copyright and royalty rights for singers. Recalling the difficult phase of his career, the singer claimed that leading music labels T-Series and Zee Music stopped offering him work after he raised the issue publicly.

Speaking on the Game Changers podcast, Sonu said that although the controversy affected his career at the time, the music industry has since become more receptive to recognising singers' royalty rights.

'They Said I Had Become an Activist'

Reflecting on the highs and lows of his musical journey, Sonu Nigam said his popularity was at its peak when he decided to raise concerns over copyright and royalty payments.

"My time came, then it passed, and now it has come back again. When I was at my peak, people gave me immense love. Then I raised the copyright issue. T-Series banned me. Zee Music also stopped working with me. They said, 'He's become an activist.'"

The singer admitted that he never imagined taking a stand on artists' rights would have such serious professional consequences.

'They Could Stop Songs, Not My Stage Shows'

Sonu said he initially believed the dispute would eventually be resolved, but instead found opportunities in the music industry gradually disappearing.

"I never thought I would be banned. I believed we would eventually resolve the issue, but things only kept getting worse. When I saw doors closing for me, I realised they could stop giving me songs, but they could never stop me from performing on stage."

Despite facing fewer playback opportunities, Sonu continued performing at concerts worldwide, maintaining a strong connection with his audience.

Music Labels Now Pay Royalties, Says Sonu Nigam

According to the singer, the industry's outlook has changed significantly over the years.

He said music companies are now more willing to recognise royalty rights for singers, and his relationship with the same labels has improved.

"Today, things have changed. Those very music labels are paying royalties to singers. We now meet with affection, sit together and even share meals. Someone had to bell the cat."

Sonu suggested that legal and policy changes eventually encouraged the industry to adopt a more balanced approach towards artists' rights.

Inspired by Lata Mangeshkar's Fight

The singer also revealed that he viewed the copyright movement as a responsibility rather than a personal battle.

According to Sonu, legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar had previously raised similar concerns, and he believed it was important to continue that fight even if it meant risking his own career.

He added that once the legal framework evolved, many in the industry realised that the demand for royalty rights was justified.

Sonu Nigam's Upcoming Concerts

On the professional front, Sonu Nigam is preparing for his international concert Revolution at London's OVO Arena Wembley on August 23.

He will later begin the Revolution India Tour 2026 in October, with performances scheduled across several cities, including:

• Bengaluru
• Pune
• Surat
• Indore
• Bhopal
• Nagpur
• Lucknow
• Chandigarh
• Jodhpur

The nationwide tour is expected to conclude in March 2027.

Key Highlights

• Sonu Nigam said T-Series and Zee Music stopped working with him after he raised copyright and royalty issues.
• The singer claimed he was labelled an "activist" after speaking out for artists' rights.
• He said stage performances helped him continue despite reduced playback opportunities.
• According to Sonu, the music industry now recognises singers' royalty rights more openly.
• The singer believes legal reforms helped improve relations between artists and music labels.
• Sonu Nigam will perform at London's OVO Arena Wembley on August 23 before beginning his Revolution India Tour 2026.

FAQs

Why did Sonu Nigam say T-Series and Zee Music stopped working with him?

Sonu Nigam claimed the music labels stopped offering him projects after he publicly supported copyright and royalty rights for singers.

What did Sonu Nigam say about royalty payments?

He said the music industry has changed over the years and that several labels now pay royalties to singers while maintaining better relationships with artists.

Which podcast did Sonu Nigam make these remarks on?

The singer shared his experiences during an appearance on the Game Changers podcast.

What is Sonu Nigam's next concert?

Sonu Nigam is scheduled to perform at OVO Arena Wembley in London on August 23 before starting his Revolution India Tour 2026.