Beyond the beat: Do mainstream artists give fair credit to India’s marginalised music traditions?

India’s mainstream music industry thrives on diversity, often drawing from folk, tribal, and regional sounds. But do popular artists acknowledge and fairly credit the marginalized communities that create these rich musical traditions?

Music has always been a melting pot of influences, blending different styles, instruments, and melodies to create something new. However, the line between inspiration and appropriation is often blurred, especially when mainstream artists borrow from marginalized cultures without proper credit or compensation. From Bollywood to Western pop, this issue has sparked heated debates about cultural ethics, exploitation, and the erasure of traditional artists.

A History of Borrowing

Throughout history, mainstream music has drawn heavily from indigenous, folk, and tribal cultures. Many musical genres, such as jazz, rock, and hip-hop, have roots in Black communities, while numerous pop hits have incorporated elements from African, Latin American, and South Asian folk traditions. While borrowing in itself is not inherently wrong, the problem arises when the original creators are neither acknowledged nor compensated.

Examples from Bollywood

Bollywood, India’s largest film industry, has a long history of borrowing from folk and regional music without due recognition. Many popular songs are adaptations of indigenous melodies, yet the communities responsible for these cultural treasures often remain invisible. Some notable examples include:

Genda Phool (2020) – This song by Badshah was heavily criticized for lifting lyrics from the Bengali folk song Boro Loker Biti Lo, traditionally sung by marginalized communities. Ratan Kahar, a folk musician associated with the song, was initially not credited, leading to a backlash.

Nimbooda (1999) – Originally a Rajasthani folk song, ‘Nimbooda’ from ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ became a Bollywood hit without any mention of the traditional artists who had kept the song alive for generations.

Choli Ke Peechhe (1993) – Inspired by Rajasthani folk music, this song from Khal Nayak was commercialized, stripping away its original cultural and social context.

Western Music and Cultural Appropriation

The Western music industry has also faced accusations of cultural appropriation, particularly in genres such as rock and roll, pop, and hip-hop. Some famous cases include:

Led Zeppelin’s "Whole Lotta Love" (1969) – The band was accused of borrowing elements from You Need Love by Willie Dixon, originally recorded by Muddy Waters, a Black blues artist.

Elvis Presley and Rock ‘n’ Roll – Often called the "King of Rock and Roll," Presley popularized a genre deeply rooted in Black music traditions but did not always give credit to the original Black artists who influenced him.

Drake’s "Hotline Bling" (2015) – Many noticed its striking similarities to D.R.A.M.’s Cha Cha, leading to discussions about how mainstream artists profit from lesser-known musicians without acknowledgment.

The Power Imbalance

One of the major reasons marginalized cultures often go uncredited is the stark power imbalance in the music industry. Mainstream artists have access to extensive resources, global platforms, and legal teams, while traditional musicians—many from rural or economically disadvantaged backgrounds—lack the means to fight for recognition or fair compensation. This results in erasure, where the original creators are forgotten while mainstream artists reap financial and cultural rewards.

Legal and Ethical Challenges

Copyright laws around the world are often insufficient when it comes to protecting folk and indigenous music. Since many traditional songs are passed down orally and lack official documentation, they fall into the "public domain," making it easy for commercial artists to use them without legal consequences. Additionally, even when lawsuits are filed, marginalized artists often lack the financial means to sustain lengthy legal battles.

The Role of Commercialization

When indigenous or folk music is adapted for mainstream audiences, it is often altered to fit commercial tastes. This can lead to cultural dilution, where the deep-rooted significance of the music is lost. For example, Bollywood’s adaptations of tribal beats or Western pop’s incorporation of African drumming can sometimes strip away the historical and social narratives embedded in the original compositions.

How Can the Industry Do Better?

To ensure fair treatment of marginalized musical traditions, the industry must adopt more ethical practices. Some ways to achieve this include:

Music labels and artists must ensure that traditional musicians receive credit and financial compensation for their contributions. Instead of simply lifting melodies, mainstream artists should collaborate with indigenous musicians, allowing them to share the stage and benefit from the exposure.

Stronger copyright protections for folk and indigenous music can prevent unauthorized use and ensure fair compensation. Fans and media should call out cases of uncredited borrowing and demand accountability from major music industries. The rich tapestry of music thrives on cultural exchange, but ethical lines must be drawn to prevent exploitation. When mainstream artists borrow from marginalized cultures without due credit, they contribute to cultural erasure and economic disparity. The music industry, as well as audiences, must take a stand in recognizing and respecting the true roots of the sounds that shape our world. Only then can music truly remain a universal language of fairness, unity, and appreciation.

Image credits:

Canva

Sony Music Entertainment India Pvt. Ltd.

Bhansali Productions

Jimmy Page

Star Trak Recordings and Interscope Records

Pharell Williams