How AI is transforming music and preserving legends — but raising ethical concerns

Special How AI is transforming music and preserving legends — but raising ethical concerns
AI in music depends on various advanced technologies, including machine learning, voice synthesis, and generative adversarial networks. (Supplied)
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Updated 13 February 2025
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How AI is transforming music and preserving legends — but raising ethical concerns

How AI is transforming music and preserving legends — but raising ethical concerns
  • AI is revolutionizing music by composing, recreating voices, and enhancing collaboration between artists and technology
  • Experts say its future depends on balancing innovation with ethical considerations of ownership and artistic integrity

RIYADH: Artificial intelligence is redefining music, opening up new opportunities to create, innovate, and preserve cultural legacies. From composing new melodies to recreating the voices of late artists, AI sits at the intersection of technology and artistry.

According to Alice Eldridge, Thor Magnusson, and Chris Kiefer in their paper, “Artificial intelligence in music and performance: A subjective art-research inquiry,” AI leverages machine learning to analyze patterns in music, enabling it to compose, mimic, or adapt musical styles.

Technologies such as generative adversarial networks refine outputs to make them more lifelike, while natural language processing aids in creating lyrics and melodies. The researchers say these tools are integral to interactive music systems, where AI becomes a collaborative partner in the creative process.

Musician Atheer Al-Amoudi views AI’s creative potential as revolutionary. “AI is becoming unstoppable in various fields, and the outcomes are undeniably mind-blowing,” Al-Amoudi told Arab News.

“Its limitlessness makes the wildest thoughts of creativity easier to actually produce. If an artist wished to collaborate with another artist but they were unreachable, they can use AI to bring this to life.”

Although such technological leaps are transformative for the production of music, they do throw up concerns about plagiarism and copyright infringement. “There must be a form of consent or at least a disclaimer stating that the actual artist has been replicated,” Al-Amoudi said.

Indeed, while AI can spark creativity, its potential for misuse is concerning. “AI could become a shortcut for lazy artists, where they sell their voice input and let editors produce whatever music they want,” Al-Amoudi said.

“It’s not as authentic, but the shortcut has its benefits for certain projects.”

One especially powerful application in AI-generated music is when it is used to recreate the voices of late singers by drawing upon their body of work.

“The only aspect where AI can create deep emotional music is when it uses the vocals of a deceased singer,” Al-Amoudi said. “It’s really moving, and you can’t help but wonder how that singer would feel about it, and if they would sing it the same way AI is doing it.”

AI in music depends on various advanced technologies, including machine learning, voice synthesis, and generative adversarial networks. These systems analyze and recreate everything from rhythm and harmony to unique vocal traits.




Voice synthesis and cloning, for example, involve training AI on recordings of an artist’s voice to replicate their tone, pitch, and intonation. (Supplied)

Voice synthesis and cloning, for example, involve training AI on recordings of an artist’s voice to replicate their tone, pitch, and intonation. Models like generative adversarial networks refine these replications, ensuring they sound natural and authentic.

This integration of AI technologies was recently used to recreate the voice of Saudi musician and composer Talal Maddah for his daughter Nagham’s wedding — a project that demonstrated the ability of AI to preserve and honor cultural heritage.

“Initially, when I met with the bride, she hadn’t even considered the idea of using one of her father’s songs for her wedding,” music designer Nasser Al-Ojan told Arab News.




How a generative adversarial network works. (Wikimedia Commons)

“She was only planning to walk down the aisle to instrumental music. I suggested that her father should somehow be present with her at this special moment. She asked, ‘How?’ That’s when the idea of using AI came to me.”

The process was both technical and deeply emotional. “Creating such a precise outcome is one of the most challenging tasks,” Al-Ojan said. “First, we used 59 songs by Talal Maddah to isolate his voice across all the vocal ranges he had sung in. This was necessary to replicate his vocal signature accurately.

“The process involved extracting his voice from these songs at various pitches, so when the software works on highs or lows, it mimics the way the artist’s voice naturally flows. This level of precision required a lot of effort and professionalism. The process takes exactly 48 hours to achieve this level of perfection.”




AI leverages machine learning to analyze patterns in music, enabling it to compose, mimic, or adapt musical styles. (Supplied)

The final result was a rendition of one of Maddah’s songs personalized with Nagham’s name, bringing his voice back to life for a deeply personal and moving moment.

Noor Al-Faraj, a data AI and automation expert at IBM and winner of the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence’s Enjaz Hackathon, sees AI as a tool that could push music beyond traditional boundaries.

“AI can help generate melodies, experiment with different sounds, or even mix genres in ways we might not think of,” Al-Faraj told Arab News. “It’s making music creation more accessible, too — you don’t have to be a professional to use these tools and make something amazing.”

However, Al-Faraj highlights the ethical concerns surrounding the technology. “Since AI is trained on existing music, there’s always a chance it could accidentally copy something too closely.




Noor Al-Faraj

“And then there’s the question of ownership — if an AI tool creates a song, who owns it? The person using the tool? The company that made the AI? It’s a gray area that we’re still figuring out.”

AI’s role should complement human creativity rather than replace it, she said. “The goal isn’t to replace what humans create but to complement it with something different, something we’ve never heard before.”

AI is revolutionizing the music industry, offering tools to preserve the legacy of artistic greats like Maddah and push the boundaries of creativity.

From Al-Amoudi’s enthusiasm for AI’s potential to Al-Ojan’s emotionally charged recreation of Maddah’s voice for his daughter, these stories illustrate the transformative power of AI in music.
 

 


Crown prince receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi after winning Saudi Dakar Rally

Crown prince receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi after winning Saudi Dakar Rally
Updated 14 March 2025
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Crown prince receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi after winning Saudi Dakar Rally

Crown prince receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi after winning Saudi Dakar Rally

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Yazeed Al Rajhi, winner of the 2025 Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia, at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah.

After winning the title in the cars category, Al-Rajhi became the first Saudi to accomplish the feat in the rally, one of the world's most prestigious motorsports championship.

The Crown Prince congratulated Al-Rajhi on winning a tough competition, featuring a number of prominent international competitors. He emphasized that the achievement should serve as motivation for Saudi athletes to continue developing their skills for future success.

Al-Rajhi thanked the Crown Prince for the gesture.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports, and Prince Khalid bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation, attended the reception.

Saudi Arabia has hosted the Dakar Rally since 2020, when it moved from South America.


Newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors take oath of office before crown prince 

Newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors take oath of office before crown prince 
Updated 14 March 2025
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Newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors take oath of office before crown prince 

Newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors take oath of office before crown prince 

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on behalf King Salman, received newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors to a number of countries.

The ambassadors took oath of office before the crown prince at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister, attended the ceremony.


Saudi crown prince, Russia president discuss Ukraine crisis 

Saudi crown prince, Russia president discuss Ukraine crisis 
Updated 14 March 2025
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Saudi crown prince, Russia president discuss Ukraine crisis 

Saudi crown prince, Russia president discuss Ukraine crisis 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Saudi Press Agency said early Friday.

The crown prince affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to exerting all efforts to facilitate dialogue and achieve a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine.

President Putin renewed his thanks and appreciation to the Kingdom for its constructive efforts and endeavors.

The two leaders also reviewed ways to boost bilateral cooperation.


Masjid Al-Fas’h in Madinah meticulously restored

Masjid Al-Fas’h in Madinah meticulously restored
Updated 14 March 2025
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Masjid Al-Fas’h in Madinah meticulously restored

Masjid Al-Fas’h in Madinah meticulously restored
  • Believed to be where Prophet Muhammad prayed
  • Revamped under King Salman restoration project

RIYADH: A historical gem nestled at the foot of Mount Uhud, north of Madinah, Al-Fas’h Mosque stands as a reminder of the Battle of Uhud, a pivotal moment in Islamic history.

This has a special place in the history of Islam because it is also where Prophet Muhammad is believed to have prayed, and attracts visitors from around the world, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Historian Dr. Fouad Al-Maghamsi highlighted Al-Fas’h Mosque’s significance within the wider historical landscape of Uhud, which includes Jabal Al-Rumah and Wadi Qanat.

Al-Fas’h Mosque’s proximity to the Uhud battlefield, roughly 800 meters away, makes it an integral part of the sacred landscape of Madinah. (Photo courtesy: welcomesaudi.com) 

Known as Uhud Mosque or Sha’b Al-Jerar Mosque, Al-Fas’h has been meticulously preserved and restored.

“The remnants of Al-Fas’h Mosque, enclosed by a roughly 1-meter-high stone wall on three sides, measure 6 meters in length and 4 meters in width,” said Al-Maghamsi.

He added that this landmark, constructed with resilient black stones, has endured through centuries and undergone numerous restorations, most recently under the reign of King Salman, as part of a broader initiative to revitalize historical sites.

The mosque’s simple yet distinctive architecture features a rectangular prayer space and a mihrab crafted from red bricks.

Al-Fas’h Mosque’s proximity to the Uhud battlefield, roughly 800 meters away, makes it an integral part of the sacred landscape of Madinah. (Photo courtesy: welcomesaudi.com)

Recent restoration efforts, overseen by the Saudi Heritage Commission, have introduced a wooden roof, a floor of artistically arranged yellow natural stones, paved surrounding areas, seating, and informative signage.

The mosque’s location, approximately 4.5 km north of Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi or the Prophet’s Mosque, places it in the heart of an area rich with Islamic heritage.

Its proximity to the Uhud battlefield, roughly 800 meters away, makes it an integral part of the sacred landscape of Madinah.
 


Ithra comes to life as families celebrate Gargee’an

Ithra comes to life as families celebrate Gargee’an
Updated 14 March 2025
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Ithra comes to life as families celebrate Gargee’an

Ithra comes to life as families celebrate Gargee’an
  • The center is offering numerous indoor and outdoor activities for children of all ages, including performances of traditional folk songs and other live shows
  • Gargee’an is a traditional festival marking the middle of Ramadan

DHAHRAN: King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Ithra, is this week full of fun and celebration for the Gargee’an festivities.

Ithra’s festivities will last until March 15 from 8:30 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.

The center is offering numerous indoor and outdoor activities for children of all ages, including performances of traditional folk songs and other live shows.

The main plaza at Ithra will have plenty of activities and Instagram-worthy moments. The Children’s Museum, Children’s Oasis, the Library and Energy Exhibit will each have dedicated activities.

The outdoor spaces are also decorated with colorful confetti, often blasted in plumes, to delight giddy children and amused adults.

Gargee’an is a traditional festival marking the middle of Ramadan, primarily celebrated in Gulf countries, specifically Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, the UAE, and the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, where Dhahran is located.

Children wear traditional attire and often go knocking door-to-door in their neighborhoods while chanting traditional folk verses.

They receive handfuls of sweet treats and trinkets that are collected in their little traditional baskets.

At Ithra, the children need merely stand in line to receive goodies, without needing to go anywhere.

Arab News spoke to Dammam resident Fatimah Alqahtani at the Children’s Museum arts and crafts section. She was coloring a small wooden door with her 5-year-old daughter Munerah and her daughter’s 7-year-old cousin, Rania.

“I have the Ithra app and I often check for events — there are always things happening,” she said. “This is our first time attending the Ithra Gargee’an event — I heard that last year’s celebration was really nice so we decided to check it out. And since the weather is lovely, we are going to go outside after this,” Alqahtani said.

The wooden door they colored is theirs to keep.

When Arab News asked what part of the celebration they liked most, the girls chirped: “Everything! Everything!”

During Gargee’an, only the Children’s Museum requires an entry ticket, which can be bought on the premises. All other spaces are free.