‘Ah Jaysus, lads, at least credit the kids’ – Fine Gael apologises for using viral song ‘The Spark’ without permission

The video, which has been since deleted, used the song The Spark with a caption that read: “We’ve got the new energy, and we’ll tell you all about it – Tomorrow vote Fine Gael in the Local, European and Limerick Mayoral elections”.

In response, The Kabin Crew, who are based in Cork and Clare, said in a post on X: “Ah Jaysus, lads, at least credit the kids who performed this track. Who ever created this video and made the social media post should know this. Not comfortable with it being used for political means.

“You have used our music, without permission, for political means. Please cease all usage with immediate effec”.”

Today’s News in 90 seconds – 10th June 2024

The Spark has been a viral sensation since it first appeared on social media more than three weeks ago.

The Kabin Studios, the creative hub in Cork where the crew are based, said later they did not want their music used for national or international political measures, especially by those with no connection to the work they do locally. “Anyone who uses our music, credit the kids and consider making a donation to children’s charity.”

Fine Gael has since issued an apology for not seeking permission.

“We wish to sincerely apologise to all at the Kabin Crew and Kabin Crew Studio for not seeking permission to use their music. It was wrong, and it should not have happened”.

The party also said it would make a donation to the studio to “support their great work, or in lieu of this, to a charity of their choice”.

The Fine Gael spokesperson said: “The Kabin Crew are an immensely talented group who produce great music, including the track of the summer. They are a credit to all in their community and are great ambassadors for Cork city. Keep up the great work at the Kabin Studio.”

Tánaiste Micheál Martin TD, Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald TD and the Labour Party have all used the song in their TikToks. However, they credited The Kabin and Lisdoonvarna Crew, who also appear on the track.

Ms Lou McDonald had two of the tween performers give her a rap lesson and Micheál Martin congratulated the The Kabin Crew on their success, as did the official Labour Party TikTok account.

The drum-and-bass track, which has yet to be released on streaming platforms, has also been hailed by Time and The New York Times as the song of the summer.

The Kabin and Lisdoonvarna crews unite children aged nine to 12 at the youth community space where they are able to express themselves through music and performing arts.

The Rhyme Island initiative, started by Garry McCarthy, is now expanding nationwide in a project called Rhyme Island Roadshow. Rap songwriting and performance workshops will be accessible to young people of various backgrounds living in Ireland.

The cross-country project, sponsored by Creative Ireland, is set to build up to Rock the Block Festival this Saturday, June 15, where children aged eight to 18 will be able to reveal what they have been working on throughout the tour.

The self-proclaimed ‘Sound of The Northside’ appears to have spread far beyond the boundaries of what was thought possible with more than eight million hits on TikTok and more than 750, 000 views on YouTube in just three weeks.