Peruvian singer Pelo D'Ambrosio has publicly banned orchestra Sonido 2000 from singing his songs over unpaid copyright royalties.
D'Ambrosio said he has not received a single Peruvian sol from the Tarapoto based group in recent years, despite the orchestra recording several of his compositions.
The singer and composer announced that the famous jungle group will no longer be permitted to perform his music because the heirs of the band do not recognize his copyright or pay royalties. He also warned that he may take legal action against the group if they continue to perform his repertoire without authorization.
Disputes following the loss of band founders
In a public statement shared on social media on Friday, August 21, D'Ambrosio explained that he had maintained a positive relationship with Sonido 2000 for many years. However, friction began after the group's founder, Tulio Trigoso, and his son, Tulin Trigoso, both died from COVID-19.
D'Ambrosio said his relationship with the orchestra became completely disconnected following the deaths of the two leaders. He added that the current leaders of the band have shown slights, neglect, and ingratitude toward him since taking over management.
Sonido 2000, formed in the high jungle city of Tarapoto in northern Peru, built much of its popularity by recording and performing D'Ambrosio's songs. Among the tracks involved in the dispute are He Sentido Amor, Me Acuerdo de Ti, and Y Que Paso, a song that has recently regained widespread popularity through another Peruvian cumbia group, La Bella Luz.
Legal backing and APDAYC intervention
D'Ambrosio said he attempted to resolve the issue directly with the individuals currently managing Sonido 2000, but received neither constructive responses nor solutions. He noted that the group has failed to declare his works, which directly harms his royalty earnings.
The songwriter emphasized that he is within his rights to withhold permission for his works due to the complete lack of reciprocity from the group. He confirmed that his prohibition is fully backed by the Peruvian Association of Authors and Composers, known as APDAYC.
APDAYC is the official collective management society in Peru responsible for safeguarding artists' intellectual property and enforcing music copyright laws. D'Ambrosio stated that if Sonido 2000 continues to use his songs, APDAYC will initiate judicial proceedings to enforce the ban.
D'Ambrosio noted that he had never previously banned any musical group from using his catalogue. He described the statement as the first time in his career that he has formally requested an orchestra to stop performing his music.
