Musician Aidan Sammut publicly criticized a live music showcase in Sydney after learning that a fellow act, Afro Charles, performed using AI-generated content. The event, held on Wednesday, was specifically intended to help emerging artists establish themselves in the local music scene. Sammut, who was preparing for his own set at the same venue, expressed shock and disgust upon discovering the nature of the act, arguing that the performance slot occupied by the AI-integrated group should have been allocated to a human band needing career opportunities. He emphasized that live performances serve as a critical income source for emerging musicians and warned that the industry push toward AI could displace human artists in favor of cheaper alternatives.

The creator of Afro Charles, Damian Amamoo, defended his use of technology, stating that he began the afro pop project late last year using an AI music generator platform. The act consists of three members: Amamoo and two virtual avatars that provide AI-generated vocals, while Amamoo performs vocals live. Amamoo maintained that AI serves as a tool comparable to traditional instruments or sampling in hip-hop, arguing that technological innovation is a natural evolution in music production. He noted that while questions regarding intellectual property remain, the use of AI is explicitly disclosed on the act's social media channels.

Following the controversy, the music services company that booked the event issued a formal apology, stating it was an oversight and that they did not knowingly book an AI act. The venue's licensee, Rory Summers, clarified that they were initially under the impression that the act involved a producer performing with a synthesizer. Emphasizing a desire to remain neutral on musical tastes while fostering a space for artist connection, the venue confirmed it has updated its booking protocols. Future applicants must now explicitly disclose whether AI is used in their music. Furthermore, the venue donated bar profits from the night to a charity supporting the music industry to address the concerns raised by the incident.

Musician Aidan Sammut publicly criticized a live music showcase in Sydney after learning that a fellow act, Afro Charles, performed using AI-generated content. The event, held on Wednesday, was specifically intended to help emerging artists establish themselves in the local music scene. Sammut, who was preparing for his own set at the same venue, expressed shock and disgust upon discovering the nature of the act, arguing that the performance slot occupied by the AI-integrated group should have been allocated to a human band needing career opportunities. He emphasized that live performances serve as a critical income source for emerging musicians and warned that the industry push toward AI could displace human artists in favor of cheaper alternatives.

The creator of Afro Charles, Damian Amamoo, defended his use of technology, stating that he began the afro pop project late last year using an AI music generator platform. The act consists of three members: Amamoo and two virtual avatars that provide AI-generated vocals, while Amamoo performs vocals live. Amamoo maintained that AI serves as a tool comparable to traditional instruments or sampling in hip-hop, arguing that technological innovation is a natural evolution in music production. He noted that while questions regarding intellectual property remain, the use of AI is explicitly disclosed on the act's social media channels.

Following the controversy, the music services company that booked the event issued a formal apology, stating it was an oversight and that they did not knowingly book an AI act. The venue's licensee, Rory Summers, clarified that they were initially under the impression that the act involved a producer performing with a synthesizer. Emphasizing a desire to remain neutral on musical tastes while fostering a space for artist connection, the venue confirmed it has updated its booking protocols. Future applicants must now explicitly disclose whether AI is used in their music. Furthermore, the venue donated bar profits from the night to a charity supporting the music industry to address the concerns raised by the incident.