Kelela has alleged that an A&R leaked a two-year-old collaboration between herself and AraabMuzik without their consent.
The track, entitled ‘Final Hour’, is an unfinished demo, says Kelela, and was not approved for release. Responding to her claims, Gustavo Guerra, the A&R in question, told Pitchfork that the project was well-documented in emails, texts, press releases and bank statements and came about after he met Kelela at a CMJ showcase.
“She wanted to work with us,” Guerra said. “I sent her over some tracks. I said, ‘We’re working on an album, we want you for our project.’ She said, ‘Great, send me over the beats.’ She selected the track, which is ‘Final Hour’.” Guerra also disputed the claim that the track was an unfinished demo, saying: “The song was done. She asked me to send her Araab’s stems so she could mix it. I said, ‘I’m getting it done. We’re gonna get this song done.’”
‘Final Hour’ was sent out by Guerra on October 23, claiming that the track was taken from AraabMuzik’s second album Dream World. AraabMuzik issued a statement yesterday (October 25) saying: “Araab himself or anyone affiliated with his current TEAM had nothing to do with the release of ‘Final Hour’ ft. Kelela. This song was released by someone affiliated with his previous management without our consent or knowledge. We would like to apologise for the confusion and set the record straight.”
