Arooj Aftab laments exploitation of musicians amid Spotify's profit surge

Renowned singer and Grammy-winning artist Arooj Aftab recently took to her Instagram Stories to express her disappointment with the alleged exploitation of musicians in the digital realm.

The Mohabbat singer shared a tweet citing a Guardian op-ed by Damon Krukowski that states, “Spotify made £56 million profit, but has decided not to pay smaller artists like me. We need you to make some noise.” Krukowski, in the shoulder, adds; “What its Wrapped campaign doesn’t say is that indie musicians and labels are treated terribly, and deserve a better deal.”

The accompanying tweet, shared by Aftab, called for music fans to express their outrage, emphasizing the alleged lack of negotiating power that smaller artists and labels have with Spotify, a dominant force in the music streaming landscape. Aftab's Instagram Story featured her two cents on the matter, where she bluntly stated, "Musicians are the most exploited creative group if I ever saw one."

The Guardian report highlights the growing disparity between the profits generated by streaming services and the compensation provided to artists. Aftab's decision to amplify this issue on her platform underscores the urgent need for a fair and sustainable system that compensates musicians for their creative contributions in a digital landscape dominated by streaming platforms.

Spotify is yet to comment on the matter.

In the midst of her advocacy, Aftab also shared a follow-up Instagram Story celebrating her recognition in The New York Times for her collaborative album, Love In Exile, alongside Vijay Iyer and Shahzad Ismaily. The album was acknowledged by the publication as one of the Best Albums of 2023, a testament to Aftab's artistic prowess and commitment to pushing musical boundaries.

The New York Times praised Love In Exile for its amalgamation of ambient, jazz, and world music, noting that the three collaborators, rooted in South Asian traditions and American musical practices, created a unique sonic landscape. Arooj Aftab's contribution, characterized by ancient melodies and Urdu poetry, was highlighted alongside Shahzad Ismaily's synthesizer expertise and Vijay Iyer's intricate piano patterns. The review emphasized the collaborative and improvised nature of the album, showcasing the artists' ability to start with simplicity and organically build upon each other's contributions.

While celebrating her musical achievements, as artists like Aftab continue to raise their voices against the purported exploitation of musicians in the digital landscape, it becomes increasingly important for industry stakeholders to address these issues and work towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

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