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Labi Siffre Issues Cease-and-Desist Over Tommy Robinson’s Use of Anti-Apartheid Anthem

The move challenges the far right’s appropriation of a song written as a stand against apartheid by a gay Black artist.

Overview

  • Siffre and publisher BMG Rights Management have ordered Robinson to stop using (Something Inside) So Strong at events and online.
  • The track was performed at Robinson’s 13 September “unite the kingdom” rally in central London and has featured in his social media posts.
  • Siffre says Robinson is “breaking all sorts of copyrights,” calling the unauthorised use theft.
  • The Metropolitan Police estimated 110,000 to 150,000 people attended the rally, with at least 25 arrests and 26 officers injured.
  • Other musicians have objected to similar uses, with Tim Booth of James condemning the placement of “Sit Down” in Robinson’s content.