In the wake of the untimely demise of Assam’s cherished singer Zubeen Garg, close associates and fans are taking proactive steps to preserve his iconic voice. The plan is to digitally secure his vocal recordings, creating a unique ‘digital signature’ for his voice. This measure is designed to prevent potential misuse or distortion through AI-generated content or other technological means, as highlighted by singer-composer Manas Robin, a long-time collaborator of Garg.
Robin explained that with the rapid advancements in AI, there’s a growing concern that Garg’s voice samples, readily available online, could be manipulated or used by others without consent. “We will work on preserving Zubeen’s voice digitally and creating such a ‘digital signature’ that the moment his vocals are played, its origin can be detected,” he stated. This technology is akin to digital watermarking for audio, allowing for the tracing of vocal origins.
Garg’s musical legacy is already being archived, with the singer himself having launched one such initiative shortly before his passing. His extensive body of work is accessible through his YouTube channel and various online platforms. The addition of a ‘digital signature’ to his voice is seen as a crucial step to protect his intellectual property and ensure authenticity in an era increasingly dominated by AI-generated audio and video content.
Robin also commented on the profound impact of Garg’s death, noting the immense outpouring of grief and admiration from Assam and globally. He emphasized that Garg’s natural vocal prowess, particularly his effortless high-octave singing, was a rare talent that few singers worldwide could match, highlighting the irreplaceable nature of his contribution to music.