AI Revives Late Singers Voices, Led By Rahman
Oscar-winning music composer A.R. Rahman has showcased a groundbreaking use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in music composition, particularly in his latest endeavor for the Rajinikanth-starrer Lal Salaam. The maestro, widely celebrated in the Indian entertainment industry, employed AI to resurrect the voices of two music legends, Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hameed, paying tribute to them in his recent project.
Rahman seamlessly integrated cutting-edge technology with traditional music elements, demonstrating how AI can be harnessed to create musical magic. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Rahman emphasized that he obtained consent from the families of the late singers before utilizing their voice algorithms. He underscored the positive impact of technology when wielded responsibly, stating that it is not a threat if used appropriately.
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In a post shared on X by Rahman, he disclosed, “We took permission from their families and sent deserving remuneration for using their voice algorithms.” This project, facilitated by AI voice models, marks a milestone as it revives the voices of late legends for the first time in the industry.
The mesmerizing voices of Bamba Bakya & Shahul Hameed in #ThimiriYezhuda from #LalSalaam made possible by @timelessvoicesx AI voice models. 🎼
This marks the first time in the industry that a late legend's voice has been brought back to life.
➡️ https://t.co/UUeICCg5m4… pic.twitter.com/P57EynInkL
— Sony Music South (@SonyMusicSouth) January 29, 2024
The late singer Bamba Bakya, a frequent collaborator with AR Rahman, passed away in 2022 due to a cardiac arrest. Shahul Hameed, another accomplished singer, lost his life in a car crash in 1997. Rahman’s initiative to bring their voices back to life for Lal Salaam reflects not only technical innovation but also a poignant tribute to the departed artists.
Lal Salaam, an upcoming Indian Tamil-language sports drama film directed by Aishwarya Rajinikanth and produced by Subaskaran Allirajah under Lyca Productions, features Rajinikanth in an extended cameo role. Vishnu Vishal and Vikranth take on the lead roles in the film, with Rahman providing the musical composition. The cinematography is handled by Vishnu Rangasamy, and the editing is overseen by B. Pravin Baaskar. Scheduled for a theatrical release on February 9, 2024, Lal Salaam stands as a testament to Rahman’s innovative use of AI in music and his dedication to preserving the legacy of late musical luminaries.
