Sonu Nigam on AI in music: "Let it assist, never replace the human soul"
AI is everywhere, including our studios. But there's a line you don't cross-at least that's Sonu Nigam's stance. Fresh off receiving the 40th Lata Mangeshkar Award in September, he shared a clear view: use AI as a tool, keep the soul human.
AI in music: assistant, not boss
An AI version of Kishore Kumar singing "Saiyaara" made the rounds recently. Some applauded the experiment; others, like singer Shaan, called it "cruel" and "wrong." Asked about recreating the voices of legends like Kishore Kumar or Mohammed Rafi, Sonu said, "AI should be treated as an assistant, not as your boss… It should never replace the human soul that gives music its true essence."
That's the tension creatives feel right now: replication versus expression. Replicating tone is easy; transmitting life isn't. If you're experimenting with AI voices or composition, think consent, credit, context-and why your human choices matter more than any model's output.
- Use AI for sketches: scratch vocals, arrangement ideas, alternate takes, translation drafts.
- Keep the final cut human: phrasing, breath, dynamics, micro-timing, intent.
- Get approvals: rights, likeness, estates, contracts. Credit sources clearly.
- Document your process: what tools, which model, where training data may come from.
- Ship your taste: if a line sounds perfect but feels empty, redo it. Soul over polish.
For context on the icons referenced, see Kishore Kumar. If you're new to synthetic vocals, read about voice cloning.
The Lata Mangeshkar Award: encouragement, not identity
Sonu Nigam received the 40th Lata Mangeshkar Award on September 29. He called awards "like gifts"-nice to receive, but they don't define the artist. This one felt different, though. He described it as a pat on the back from his guru, a sign of encouragement and blessing.
He recently performed in Kashmir during a seven-city tour, carrying that energy into his shows. It's a reminder for creatives: recognition is fuel, not the destination. Keep building the work that got you there.
Playback singing in India: fresh energy, faster cycles
Film music is moving fast and pulling in new voices. Sonu appreciates the flow of "incredibly talented composers, lyricists, and singers" bringing fresh energy each year. That churn keeps the space vibrant, but it also demands sharper taste and faster iteration from everyone involved.
He also released a new single, "Kahani Meri," blending Hindustani and Carnatic styles. He called it a gift to himself and his listeners-a good example of mixing tradition with experimentation without losing identity.
Practical checklist for creatives using AI
- Define the role: What does AI do for this project? Draft, arrange, or polish-not "be you."
- Protect signatures: Keep your vocal timbre, phrasing, and writing quirks front and center.
- Guard consent: No likeness cloning without written permission. Ever.
- Credit clearly: People deserve to know what was human, what was synthetic, and why.
- Ship taste, not trends: Tools come and go; your sensibility is the asset.
If you want structured practice using AI as a supportive tool (without losing your voice), you might find these helpful: Prompt engineering resources and latest AI courses.
Bottom line
Use AI to extend your process, not to replace what makes you irreplaceable. As Sonu Nigam put it, treat AI like an assistant. The soul-the decisions, the taste, the humanity-that's on you.
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