Selos (song)

For other uses, see Selos (disambiguation).

"Selos"
Single by Shaira
Released	November 28, 2023 April 11, 2024 (re-released)
Recorded	2023
Genre	Electronic dance music
Length	3:33
Label	AHS Productions
Songwriter(s)	Krishna Ares Glang Lenka Kripac Thomas Salter
Producer(s)	Krishna Ares Glang
Shaira singles chronology
"Natibpad (Lalakeng Abusado)" (2023) "Selos" (2023) "Ikaw Lamang (BabyCakes Ko)" (2023)
Original Cover
Single cover of "Selos" when it was first released in 2023
Music video
"Selos" on YouTube

"Selos" (lit. 'Jealous') is a song by Filipino singer Shaira. It was released in 2023 and became a popular hit, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok.^[1] The song is an anthem about jealousy and heartbreak.

"Selos" is essentially a cover of the song "Trouble Is a Friend" by Lenka, an indie pop song released in 2009. On March 19, 2024, "Selos" was removed from music streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music because it was deemed to infringe on copyright of the original song.

Background and composition

The core melody and musical structure of "Selos" are based on "Trouble Is a Friend". However, the lyrics of the two songs follow two different subject matters; "Selos" centers on heartbreak and jealousy while the original song has trouble as its central theme.^[2]

Krishna Ares Glang, who is also known as AG, wrote the lyrics for the song. AG has admitted the song is a remake of Lenka's song.^[3] The lyrics were inspired from AG's own experience of heartbreak and being jealous of seeing his romantic interest with another person.^[4]

Reception

"Selos" became a viral trend on TikTok, with users creating their own dance covers and lip-sync videos to the song.^[5] A music video on YouTube was also released in late 2023 by Shaira with the disclaimer that it was made for "parody and entertainment purposes". The video garnered more than nine million views.^[6] The song's popularity helped to raise Shaira's profile and introduce Bangsamoro pop to a wider audience. "Selos" peaked at number one on Spotify's chart for viral hits.^[1]

Criticism

Lenka, the musician who performed "Trouble Is a Friend", the song "Selos" is based on, took action against the publication of the song due to copyright issues.^[6]

In response, AHS Productions on March 19, 2024, voluntarily removed "Selos" from all streaming platforms as they worked towards securing a cover license for its use.^[7] The decision was made to ensure compliance with legal requirements and respect for the original artist's rights.^[8]

AHS Productions issued an official statement apologizing to fans who enjoyed "Selos" and expressing gratitude for their support. They acknowledged the unexpected success of the song and thanked listeners for embracing Shaira's cover rendition. The statement also conveyed the production team's pride in Shaira's newfound recognition as a prominent figure in Bangsamoro pop music.^[9] Three more songs would be removed from streaming platforms allegedly due to their melodies being copied from Indonesian songs.^[3]

On April 11, 2024, "Selos" was re-released after Shaira's team reached an agreement with Lenka's camp.^[10][11]

Track listing

Digital download^[12]^[13]

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Selos"	3:33

References

1. Telo, Kelsey. "'B-Pop excellence': TikTok dubs trending singer Shaira the 'Queen of Bangsamoro Pop'". Interaksyon. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
2. Ranara, John Patrick (April 8, 2024). "Shaira Moro says 'Selos' to be re-released after 'peaceful' negotiation with Lenka". Philstar Life. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
3. Gabinete, Jojo (March 31, 2024). ""Selos" singer Shaira, may tatlo pang kanta na kinopya mula sa Indonesian songs" ["Selos" singer Shaira, had three more songs copied from Indonesian songs]. PEP.ph (in Filipino). Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
4. Langko, Salma (March 29, 2024). "Who is Shaira Abdullah Alimudin, Queen of Bangsamoro Pop?". PEP.ph (in English and Filipino). Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
5. Bermil, Kenneth (March 16, 2024). "Shaira, opisyal nang kinilala bilang "Queen of Bangsamoro Pop"" [Shaira, officially recognized as "Queen of Bangsamoro Pop"]. Brigada News (in Filipino). Brigada Mass Media Corporation. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
6. Purnell, Kristofer (March 20, 2024). "Shaira takes down 'Selos' following copyright issue over Lenka song". The Philippine Star. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
7. "On Shaira's 'Selos' And What To Know About Copyright". Billboard Philippines. March 20, 2024. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
8. Yap, Jade Veronique (March 20, 2024). "Shaira Moro's 'Selos' voluntarily removed from streaming platforms, agency in contact with Lenka to secure cover license". GMA News Online. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
9. "'Selos' by Moro singer Shaira removed on streaming platforms". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
10. "Shaira to re-release 'Selos' after agreement with original artist Lenka's team". Rappler. April 9, 2024. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
11. "Shaira's 'Selos' returns to streaming platforms with credits to Lenka". News.ABS-CBN.com (in English and Filipino). Retrieved April 11, 2024.
12. "Selos – Single – Album by Shaira". Apple Music.
13. 𝗦𝗘𝗟𝗢𝗦 (𝙼𝚞𝚜𝚒𝚌 𝚅𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚘) 𝘣𝘺 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗮 (in Filipino). AHS Productions. December 2, 2023. Archived from the original on March 18, 2024. Retrieved March 18, 2024 – via YouTube.