Million Years Single Banned
Adele’s Million Years Ago Banned in Brazil.
In a dramatic turn, a Brazilian court has ruled against Adele’s Million Years Ago, ordering the song’s removal from all platforms due to plagiarism claims. The decision, handed down in December 2024, follows accusations that the track borrows heavily from Mulheres, a 1995 samba classic by renowned composer Toninho Geraes. Now, Adele’s 2015 ballad faces global fallout in a case that could reshape how copyright is enforced across borders.
Plagiarism Lawsuit Shakes Adele’s Catalog
The ruling stems from Geraes’s lawsuit, which alleges that Million Years Ago lifts key melodic phrases from Mulheres. According to the court, the similarities between the songs were “undeniable and substantial,” leading to an injunction that halts all forms of distribution—streaming, radio, physical media, and commercial syncs.
Sony Music and Universal Music, who manage Adele’s catalogue, were hit with strict enforcement measures. The court order mandates immediate removal of the track worldwide, with fines of $8,000 for every instance of non-compliance. This landmark judgment brings Brazil into the spotlight as a significant player in global copyright protection.
The Samba Connection: Toninho Geraes Speaks Out
Toninho Geraes is no minor name in Brazil’s music world. The respected samba composer claims the heart of Million Years Ago mimics the hook and harmonic phrasing of Mulheres—a melody long cherished in Brazil’s musical heritage.
“This is about defending cultural authorship,” said Geraes in a press release following the ruling. “When global artists borrow from local traditions, they must do so with respect and recognition.”
The case has sparked deeper discussions on how traditional genres—like samba—are vulnerable to imitation without proper attribution, especially when those genres inspire mainstream Western hits.
Universal Appeals as Industry Divides Emerge
Universal Music, representing Adele, has filed an appeal, arguing that any resemblance between the two songs is purely coincidental. The label insists that the chord progressions and melodic choices in Million Years Ago.
One Universal rep claimed. “This case opens a dangerous door if common structures become grounds for bans.”
Others in the music industry have weighed in, some defending Adele while others express concern about unchecked cultural appropriation. Legal experts suggest the outcome of this appeal could set a precedent for future copyright disputes involving international and regional sounds.
Copyright Across Borders: What This Means for Music
The Brazilian court’s reach didn’t end at its borders. The global injunction placed added pressure on international DSPs (Digital Service Providers) to comply quickly. And they did. Within days, Million Years Ago began vanishing from playlists, libraries, and YouTube streams across the globe.
This raises big questions: How far can one country’s copyright ruling extend? And should multinational labels be more cautious when borrowing elements from culturally rich—but often legally underprotected—music scenes?
The Bigger Picture: Tradition, Influence, and Originality
At its heart, the case goes beyond one song. It forces a re-examination of where inspiration ends and imitation begins. Artists increasingly draw from a melting pot of genres—Afrobeats, bossa nova, dancehall, grime—and that creative freedom is vital.
In a globalised music ecosystem, the old rules around ownership and originality may no longer apply so neatly. As copyright law evolves, so too must the industry’s understanding of cultural respect and creative boundaries.
Final words on Adele’s Million Years Ago Banned in Brazil
Adele’s Million Years Ago being banned in Brazil marks a major flashpoint in the intersection of copyright law, global music distribution, and cultural recognition. Whether the ruling holds or is overturned on appeal, it’s already had a chilling effect—and sparked overdue conversations about power, credit, and the lines between influence and infringement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Adele’s Million Years Ago banned in Brazil?
A Brazilian court ruled that the song plagiarised the 1995 samba Mulheres by Toninho Geraes, leading to a global injunction.
Who is Toninho Geraes?
He’s a respected Brazilian samba composer. Best known for Mulheres. He filed the lawsuit claiming Adele’s track copied his melody.
Can I still listen to Million Years Ago on streaming platforms?
As of now, the song has been pulled from most major platforms following the court order, pending the outcome of Universal’s appeal.
Is Adele facing any fines personally?
No. The fines apply to Sony and Universal for failing to comply with the removal order—$8,000 per instance of infringement.
Could this happen to other international artists?
Yes. If the ruling stands, it could set a precedent empowering regional composers to challenge global stars over alleged copyright violations.
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