Tech companies are utilizing South African musical works to develop artificial intelligence technologies without providing fair compensation to the artists. This practice raises significant concerns regarding copyright and the economic viability of the South African music industry. Artists fear their work is being devalued as AI learns from and potentially replicates their styles, threatening their livelihoods. The lack of regulation and transparency surrounding AI training data usage exacerbates the problem. This exploitation challenges the authenticity of musical creation and raises questions about ownership in the digital age. Local musicians are now calling for protections and systems to ensure they benefit from the use of their art in AI development. The situation highlights a growing global debate about the ethical implications of AI and the need for equitable practices.