NAMIBIAN musicians have welcomed a new global labelling system for artificial intelligence- (AI) generated music, saying it could improve transparency, strengthen copyright protection and help listeners distinguish between human-created and AI-generated music.
The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) introduced the system earlier this month to classify sound recordings as either “AI-generated” or “AI-assisted”.
The labels will use visual icons supported by metadata and backend delivery systems, allowing streaming platforms and other digital music services to indicate how AI was used in creating a recording.
The system is intended for global adoption and will evolve alongside advances in technology and changing legal requirements.
Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music (Nascam) board chairperson Joseph Ailonga says the initiative would improve transparency as AI becomes increasingly common in music production.
“AI integration into music production is an ongoing evolution; audiences may not always distinguish between human-composed and AI-generated content. However, this platform provides the essential transparency to differentiate between AI-generated and AI-assisted works,” Ailonga says.
He says the distinction would also help strengthen copyright administration.
“This distinction is critical for authenticating ownership, copyright, and royalty management. We welcome these technological advancements as we are currently collaborating with the IFPI to implement sound recording rights,” he says.
Singer and performer Lize Ehlers says AI should remain a tool rather than replace artistic expression.
“As an artist, I believe AI can be a useful tool, but it should never replace human creativity. Personally, I will always write my own lyrics, compose my own music, and create work that comes from my lived experiences, emotions, and imagination. That is what gives art its value and authenticity.”
Ehlers says she only uses AI-generated music occasionally as background audio on social media and does not consider it part of her creative process.
She welcomes the introduction of the labels, saying audiences deserve to know how music is made.
“I welcome initiatives that clearly label AI-generated music because transparency is important. Audiences deserve to know whether a piece of music was created by a human, generated by AI, or made through a combination of both. That information allows people to make informed choices about the art they consume.”
She warns that excessive dependence on AI could reduce opportunities for emerging musicians.
“For emerging artists especially, opportunities to develop as writers and creators are essential. If we become overly reliant on AI-generated content, we risk diminishing the value of original storytelling and reducing opportunities for people to build sustainable careers through their craft.”
Rapper KP Illest says the labels are a positive development but argues that the wider concern was AI learning from human-made music.
“It’s a good thing but most of the time people can hear when music is AI.
“The biggest problem is the fact that AI is learning how original music is being made. Our beats are being stolen and used internationally.”
Musician Shax Champion says he does not believe AI threatens originality.
“I don’t think AI is a threat to our creativity.”
He says artists who remain authentic would continue to stand out regardless of how AI develops.
“But this is just my opinion around the matter. AI is the future.”
Sally Boss Madam and Lioness have declined to comment on the initiative, saying they were not familiar enough with the new system.
In a joint statement, IFPI chief executive Vikki Oakley and Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) chairman and chief executive Mitch Glazier say listeners want greater transparency around AI in music.
“Fans want to know whether and how generative AI has been used in the music to which they listen. Given how important human artistry and authenticity is to music lovers all over the world, these labels will provide an immediately understandable and easily scalable approach to transparency.”
They say the industry recognises that AI is being used in different ways by musicians and that the labelling system would continue to develop as technology evolves.
The announcement comes as AI-generated music continues to grow on streaming platforms. In April, music streaming service Deezer reported that AI-generated tracks accounted for 44% of all new music uploaded to its platform, while Apple Music has said more than one-third of tracks submitted to its service are entirely AI-generated.
The new labels are expected to be implemented in partnership with digital platforms, distributors, aggregators and standards bodies, giving listeners a clearer indication of whether a recording was created entirely by AI or produced by human artists using AI as a creative tool.
