Miklós Varga and Demjén Rózsi are also protesting that Péter Magyar used their popular hits in his demonstration without their consultation or permission.
I wonder what the artists whose hits are played at a mass event with a political purpose think about the performance of the songs?
• Kormorán – National song (composed by László Tolcsvay)
• Levente Szörényi – Song about innocence
• Carson Coma - I will throw the stone
• Ferenc Demjén - Wanderers of Freedom
• Miklós Varga – Europe
Just a few famous songs that were sung at Péter Magyar's demonstration on April 6, 2024.
They can't defend themselves
Index reached out to several artists to comment on how their songs were used at the April 6 protest. One of them was so upset that he did not want to comment on the phenomenon, the other only noted that it was not worth talking about,
this is the price of popularity.
These hits are real goldmines, because both political sides can use them for their own purposes and convey their message due to the eloquent lyrics.
However, the question is, should royalties be paid for songs performed?
The Artisjus Hungarian Copyright Office Association stated the following on the subject:
The use of music at any event is permitted in return for payment of royalties to Artisjus. Political meetings are no exception. It has long been a regular practice of all political parties and communities to pay the royalties after such gatherings. We usually expect this announcement within about a week after the event. If the announcement is not made, Artisjus will contact the organizer of the event and ask him to provide the necessary information for the payment of royalties
- said Benjamin Péter Tóth, head of communication at Artisjus.
"If someone feels that their song is being played in an environment that is harmful to them personally - Szjt. (copyright law - ed.) rule on the protection of the unit of work - you can contact the organizer directly with this. There is no established jurisprudence in Hungary to interpret this"
Péter Benjamin Tóth pointed out.
Péter Magyar, on the other hand, claims that they asked the copyright protection office for a position before the event.
Before the demonstration, we contacted Artisjust, which is responsible for enforcing copyrights, to see if we need to ask permission in advance to play the songs. We were informed that we have no such obligation
- the politician told Blikk .
Miklós Varga and Demjén Rózsi also protest
An example of personal injury is Miklós Varga, who voiced his frustration on social media. The singer did not know that his song was used at Péter Magyar's demonstration, he leaked it on Facebook on the evening of the demonstration.
I'm just pointing it out. They once again drew my attention to the fact that my song "Europa" was used without my knowledge and consent at a political rally organized by an individual with an unacceptable moral background. I protest because of the obvious violation of the law! Couldn't they find another song for their political expression?
- Miklós Varga wrote in the public post, who is outraged by the matter, but does not take legal action.
Demjén Rózsi was also bursting with joy when he found out that one of his favorite songs was played at the Magyars' event.
"First of all, I would like to say that it is not a good approach in this case to be a musician close to the government or someone who is not close to the government. The approach to the question is not even a moral one, but whether it was used legally or not. I had no knowledge of this, so by definition I could not give permission for use."
"I hope no one believes that I'm licensing one of my favorite songs for such a political circus!"
Demjén told Blikk. The paper also reported that neither Kormorán nor Ismerős Arck had been asked for permission to play the songs. Although it is not a mandatory step, according to the legal expert, the attention of the original performers should be drawn to playing their compositions at such events.
Featured image: budapestkornyeke.hu
