A Brazilian composer, Toninho Geraes, is claiming Adele’s 2015 song ‘Million Years Ago’ copied music of his samba classic ‘Mulheres (Women)’.
Geraes’ song was recorded by Brazilian singer Martinho da Vila on a 1995 hit album.
Brazilian judge Victor Torres, in Rio de Janeiro’s sixth commercial court, ordered ‘Million Years Ago’ is to be removed globally, including from streaming services, according to a report from AFP.
According to the report, an junction threatens the Brazilian subsidiaries of Sony and Universal, Adele’s labels, with a fine of $8,000 “per act of non-compliance”. The reports say the injunction, demands record labels to stop “immediately and globally, from using, reproducing, editing, distributing or commercializing the song.”
Geraes is apparently seeking compensation for unpaid royalties, $160,000 for emotional distress, and a songwriting credit on Adele’s track.
It remains to be seen whether the injunction will be upheld by music services around the world and what response, if any, Adele and her legal team will make.
Sony and Universal have not yet responded to requests for comment, according to reports.
‘Million Years Ago’, was recorded for Adele’s third studio album, ’25’.
Adele recently wrapped up her hit ‘Weekends With Adele’ Las Vegas residency after a 2-year stint, which began in November 2022.