Latest news with #4U2C
New Straits Times
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Nineties girl group Res2 to perform in 4U2C concert
KUALA LUMPUR: Popular 1990s all-girl pop act Res2 will return as guest artistes for 1990s hip-hop and pop group 4U2C's concert next September. Datin Emylia Rosnaida, wife and manager of 4U2C's lead singer Datuk AC Mizal, revealed in an interview with Harian Metro yesterday that Res2 would be the main guest star at the "WE 4U2C Live In Concert" on Sept 15 at the Idea Live Arena in Petaling Jaya. Emylia, 49, highlighted Res2's immense popularity in the 1990s as a pioneering all-girl hip-hop group in the country. "Res2 are very energetic dancers, much like 4U2C, and were often described as their female counterparts," she explained. "What's more, in 2020, 4U2C had planned a concert in Singapore and Res2 were suggested as the guest artistes." That concert in Singapore, however, did not materialise due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent Movement Control Order (MCO). Res2 was formed in 1992 with Erin, Baby Arin, Ezza, Yati, and Wati as its founding members. "I recently met Baby Arin to discuss the 4U2C concert, and she subsequently talked it over with her bandmates," Emylia shared. "After three days, Baby Arin informed me that they all agreed to make a comeback." Emylia also expressed her relief that the recent controversy involving 4U2C and songwriter Man Senoi had finally been resolved. "We want to put on a memorable concert, not just for our longtime fans but also for their children who might not have heard about 4U2C and Res2," Emylia said.
New Straits Times
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Man Senoi: No need for 4U2C permission to upload songs on digital platforms
KUALA LUMPUR: Composer Man Senoi, whose real name is Othman Masri, 72, and his wife, Ramziah Mohamed Noor, 62, also known as Mama Rap, do not need to obtain approval from 4U2C members when uploading their songs to Spotify. Man Senoi said that the songs in question are entirely their intellectual property and are protected by the Music Authors' Copyright Protection (MACP). "I have consulted a lawyer about this matter. We've been informed that we have full rights to these songs," he explained. "We don't need to refer to 4U2C. They can claim royalties as performers (singers) with Recording Performers Malaysia (RPM). It's clear that our company, Zman Productions, owns the 'sound audio' and the rights to the 25 'sound recordings' of 4U2C songs belong to Man Senoi," he told Harian Metro. Man Senoi added that he had submitted the songs to MACP, accepted their decision, and did not wish to prolong the matter. He made these comments in response to a statement by Datuk AC Mizal and 4U2C at a recent press conference, concerning the copyright dispute over 4U2C's songs with concert organiser Juss Event. The conflict initially arose when the founder of 4U2C claimed that no party, including 4U2C members or concert organisers, had contacted him for permission, despite Zman Productions holding the rights to 25 songs performed by 4U2C. During the recent press conference, AC Mizal announced that the concert would proceed as planned, following approval from the MACP. He reportedly said that they had obtained a valid licence from MACP to perform the songs live with a band. AC Mizal reportedly explained that, under the Copyright Act 1987, singers do not need to obtain permission from the creator to perform live, provided they do not alter the song's structure or republish it as a recording.
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Ayob apologises to 4U2C
KUALA LUMPUR: The Vice President of Music Malaysia Ayob Abdul Majid, 62, has issued an apology following his intervention in a dispute between composer Man Senoi and rap group 4U2C. Ayob had previously offered to mediate the conflict between Man Senoi and 4U2C concerning the recently announced "WE 4U2C Live in Concert" event. "I'd like to provide some clarification regarding the viral issue involving my previous comments about the group 4U2C," he said. "First of all, I'd like to apologise if any of my statements have offended anyone, particularly the original members of 4U2C or their fans. "My intention wasn't to belittle or demean anyone, but simply to share a little history based on my knowledge of the industry." Ayob had previously claimed to have been involved with 4U2C some time ago, including with several original members like Datuk AC Mizal, around the early 2000s. "I acknowledge that there may have been errors in my delivery style that were misunderstood or caused offence. I accept criticism with an open heart," he added. "As Vice President of Music Malaysia, I'm responsible for maintaining harmony and camaraderie among artistes. "Therefore, I urge that this issue isn't exaggerated or sensationalised within the entertainment world." He emphasised that if there's any dissatisfaction, "the door of communication is always open for all parties." "Avoid misunderstandings through social media. We're all adults and mature, and it's better if this matter is resolved amicably in person or through proper channels," he said. "Hopefully, all parties can take a more positive approach to maintain dignity and unity in our art world." Yesterday, during a press conference about song copyright issues, organised by 4U2C and event organiser Juss Event, AC Mizal criticised Ayob, describing him as wanting to "be a hero" in this matter.
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Ajai apologises for statement on recent 4U2C controversy
KUALA LUMPUR: Acclaimed composer Ajai has issued an apology for his recent statement regarding the 4U2C pop group controversy. The dispute centres on copyright issues related to songs the group intends to perform at their upcoming "WE 4U2C Live In Concert" show. In an Instagram post yesterday, Ajai, whose real name is Mohamad Faizal Maas, 50, explained that his apology stemmed from a sense of responsibility for the confusion caused by the controversy. "I refer to my recent statement on the concert by 4U2C. I would like to apologise if my statement was misconstrued or offended certain parties," he wrote. He further clarified that he was not against any individual who performs, writes, or composes music, and expressed his support for all those involved in the creation and performance of music by others. Ajai concluded his statement hoping that "all people in the industry are free to create and perform music, and that the ongoing issue is settled in the best possible way. Thank you." The controversy escalated when Datuk AC Mizal, 53, 4U2C's lead singer, expressed his displeasure with Ajai's comments on copyright and song ownership. AC Mizal, whose full name is Mizal Zaini, felt that Ajai's statement implied 4U2C did not have the right to organise their concert. The core of the issue arose when composer Man Senoi (Othman Masri) and his wife Ramziah Mohamed Noor (Mama Rap) disputed 4U2C's plan to stage the Sept 15 concert. Man Senoi and Mama Rap claim they hold the rights to 25 of the group's songs. Despite these claims, AC Mizal has stated that all necessary licences and permits for the concert have been secured from the relevant authorities.
New Straits Times
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 4U2C concert to proceed despite copyright row, group demands apology
KUALA LUMPUR: Despite being embroiled in controversies, including allegations regarding copyright and song ownership, 1990s hip-hop group 4U2C is pressing ahead with their WE 4U2C Live In Concert project. The group, famed for their hit song "Fiona," is set to fulfil their promise to perform at the Idea Live Arena, Petaling Jaya, on Sept 15. Speaking on behalf of 4U2C, Datuk AC Mizal, whose real name is Mizal Zaini, asserted the group's right to stage the concert following guidelines from the Music Authors' Copyright Protection (MACP). "I would like to announce that we have received the MACP permit. This concert will go ahead," AC Mizal said at a press conference today. He further explained, "According to the Malaysian Copyright Act 1987, via MACP, every live performance using 'live' music does not require consent from the songwriter. This is because the songwriter has transferred the ownership rights to MACP for commercialisation." AC Mizal stressed the group's respect for property rights. "We don't want to deny property rights. When issues arise, we will respond, especially regarding property rights. We made this reference before the WE 4U2C Live In Concert project was announced," he added. Also present at the press conference were Shasha Marican, a representative from the organiser, Juss Event Sdn Bhd, their lawyer, Carlos Mak Chuen Yuan from the law firm Tang Kong Hai and Tui, and other members of the music group. The issue surrounding the 4U2C concert arose when composer Man Senoi (real name Othman Masri, 72) and his wife Ramziah Mohamed Noor (62), known as Mama Rap, reportedly disputed 4U2C's intention to stage the concert. Man Senoi and Mama Rap claimed they hold the rights to 25 of the group's songs. To clear their "tarnished name and reputation," AC Mizal announced that the organisers are demanding an apology within 24 hours from several individuals who allegedly issued "untrue and misleading statements" about the concert. "We will not tolerate any false statements and demand an apology within 24 hours," he warned. AC Mizal confirmed that all necessary licences and permits from the authorities have been secured for the concert. "Unfortunately, we discovered that a third party recently issued false statements against 4U2C. So, we demand that they make an open apology to the media and the public within 24 hours," he reiterated, adding that legal action would be taken if the parties involved fail to apologise as requested. AC Mizal expressed surprise that the song ownership issue was raised, especially since he hadn't yet announced which songs would be performed at the concert. "Maybe I'll sing an English, Indian or Chinese song... There must be a certain agenda," he mused. He also claimed that ticket sales for WE 4U2C Live In Concert have been affected by the controversy. "Before this issue arose, 70 per cent of tickets had been sold. Many people may be worried if this concert is cancelled following the controversy that has arisen," he explained. Regarding Man Senoi's claim over the 25 songs, another 4U2C member, Azam, denied the assertion. "I have been a member of MACP since 1992 and am still active. Many people don't know that not all songs in the 4U2C collection are under the ownership of our former manager," Azam clarified. "The hit songs were created by Joe, and I created 'Kami Rapper.' In our first album, Man Senoi only has three songs. We have two full albums and a mini album, and for each album, he (Man Senoi) only composed three songs," Azam elaborated. "He claims that all the songs are his; I'm disappointed. This issue shouldn't have arisen. In fact, about 70 per cent of the songs are ours," he said. Previously, Man Senoi was reported to have claimed that no party, including the concert organisers, had contacted him to request permission regarding the "sound audio" or recording material owned by Zman Productions before the concert was to be staged. 4U2C was a recording artiste under Zman Productions, owned by Man Senoi and Ramziah. However, their relationship reportedly soured after the release of their second studio album, leading to a court dispute that Zman Productions reportedly won.
