Deputy PM Winston Peters dismisses UK band Chumbawamba’s demand to stop using their song “Tubthumping,” stating that he “does not care” about the dispute.
Deputy PM Winston Peters addresses the UK band’s demand that he stop using their song Tubthumping.
The UK band accused him of “hijacking” their song and requested their recording label to send a “cease and desist” letter.
“Media seems more interested in the Chumbawamba story than we are. Frankly, we’re indifferent,” Mr. Peters stated.
“There’s no need to ‘cease or desist’,” he emphasized on X day.
Mr. Peters, head of the right-wing New Zealand First Party within the governing coalition, entered the stage to Tubthumping before delivering a contentious speech last weekend.
He concluded by alluding to the renowned lyrics, stating: “Despite setbacks, we persevered.”
The band objected, asserting they disapproved of his political beliefs and did not authorize the use of their song at his rallies.
However, Mr. Peters defended his choice, stating on Wednesday, “The song had a positive impact at our inaugural public gathering post-election. The enthusiastic response from the crowd of over 700 individuals attested to that.”
Despite the band’s multiple singles, Mr. Peters singled out “Tubthumping” as Chumbawamba’s most commercially successful track.
“I’d make a witty reference to another one of their hit songs to conclude this post, but unfortunately, they only had one,” he quipped on X.
Dunstan Bruce, the former lead singer and co-founder of Chumbawamba, disclosed to the BBC’s Newshour program that the song was inspired by the diverse and migrant community of Leeds, UK, coming together.
“This individual, Winston Peters, attempting to co-opt the song for his campaign, where he articulates political opinions that I strongly disagree with, is unacceptable to me. I felt compelled to take action because allowing it to happen unchallenged wasn’t an option.”
Mr. Peters has previously incorporated Tubthumping into his rallies, and Mr. Bruce noted that the band has been upset by its use by various others as well.
“The song has been appropriated by right-wing politicians not only in the United States, the UK, and Australia, but now also in New Zealand,” Mr. Bruce explained.
He mentioned that their typical response is to send a “cease and desist” letter to “publicize the misalignment of our politics with those on the right.”
“They perceive the song as populist… the song’s message is universal, making it prone to misinterpretation or ignorance of the band behind it,” he explained.
The BBC reached out to Sony Music Publishing regarding any communication with Mr. Peters and New Zealand First, but has not yet received a response.
Regarding the matter, Mr. Peters stated, “Should the ‘cease and desist’ letter ever arrive, we will ensure to securely file it.”
During his hour-long “state of the nation” speech that triggered the controversy, the NZ First leader discussed plans to eliminate gender and sexuality education from the school curriculum, emphasizing that NZ First and their supporters have a “real opportunity to reclaim our country.”
He seemingly equated shared decision-making, termed co-governance, between Māori and the government to the racial ideologies of Nazi Germany, although he later accused the media of misinterpreting his remarks. New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, disclosed having a private discussion with Mr. Peters regarding his statements.
Chris Hipkins, former PM and Labour leader, condemned Mr. Peters for using racism and anti-media rhetoric to sow division in the country, likening his behavior to that of a disruptive relative at a wedding.
In New Zealand’s semi-proportional representation electoral system, voters elect both a local representative and cast a separate vote for a preferred political party, known as the “party vote.” Additionally, parties receiving over 5% of the “party vote” are allocated seats proportionally, with the MPs selected from a published party list.
In the previous election, Mr. Peters’ party did not secure any electorate seats, garnering only 2.6% of the total votes. Nevertheless, they acquired eight Members of Parliament as they received 6% of the “party vote”.
It seems like people are divided on how they feel about it. But let’s take a step back and consider why this politician might not be as bothered as everyone thinks. Maybe it’s because they have more important issues to focus on? Or perhaps it’s a strategy to not give unnecessary attention to trivial matters? Keep in mind that there are always two sides to a story.
Maybe we’ll never know the full extent of what’s really going on. So, before we jump to conclusions, perhaps it’s worth digging a little deeper to understand the bigger picture. Let’s not sweat the small stuff and stay tuned for more insight on this hot topic!
Read More: Ex-Australia PM accepts daughters’ Taylor Swift challenge
Disclaimer:
This content is AI-generated using IFTTT AI Content Creator. While we strive for accuracy, it’s a tool for rapid updates. We’re committed to filtering information, not reproducing or endorsing misinformation. – Jomotoday for more information visit privacy policy
Leave a Comment