Labi Siffre Sends Cease-and-Desist to Tommy Robinson Over ‘(Something Inside) So Strong’ Use

Labi Siffre takes a stand against Tommy Robinson’s unauthorized use of his iconic song at a controversial rally.

When Music Meets Controversy: A Powerful Anthem Misused

There’s something deeply personal when a song you created to inspire strength and unity ends up caught in a political storm. That’s exactly what happened when Labi Siffre, the legendary singer-songwriter, found his 1987 anthem “(Something Inside) So Strong” commandeered by far-right activist Tommy Robinson for a recent rally in London. The stakes? Copyright infringement and a clash of ideals.

Labi Siffre, the voice behind the powerful anti-apartheid anthem, on stage

The song, originally penned in response to the brutal apartheid regime’s televised violence against black South Africans, carries a weight of hope and resistance. It’s earned accolades, including an Ivor Novello Award, and was reportedly one of Nelson Mandela’s favorite songs. So, imagine Siffre’s shock when Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, featured it prominently at his “unite the kingdom” rally on September 13 in central London.

The Rally That Sparked a Legal Battle

Robinson’s rally was no ordinary gathering—it drew an estimated 110,000 to 150,000 people, including other far-right figures like Katie Hopkins and Laurence Fox. Elon Musk even chimed in via video, warning of an impending “violence” and urging the crowd to “fight back or die.” Amid this charged atmosphere, the anthem played, supposedly to “tell all of our stories,” as Robinson introduced it before a former X Factor contestant performed.

But Siffre wasn’t having it.

“Even in an era when theft is easier than it ever was, it’s still theft.” — Labi Siffre

In a candid interview, the 80-year-old artist expressed his dismay at his song being used in this way. He described it as a blatant copyright violation and an ironic misuse of his work as a “positive atheist, homosexual black artist” being co-opted by a movement that stands in stark contrast to his values.

The Legacy of ‘(Something Inside) So Strong’

To fully appreciate the gravity of this, you have to understand the song’s roots. Written after Siffre watched a television documentary showing white soldiers firing on black civilians during apartheid, the song became a beacon of resistance and hope. Amnesty International embraced it in campaigns, and it resonated worldwide as a symbol of the fight for justice.

Here’s the song’s official video for a reminder of its uplifting power:

Artists Push Back: Not Just Siffre

Siffre isn’t alone in pushing back against Robinson’s unauthorized use of music. Tim Booth, lead singer of the band James, voiced disgust after his band’s hit “Sit Down” was used in a social media post celebrating the rally crowd. Booth called the track “the antithesis” of everything Robinson’s movement stands for, underscoring a growing trend of artists distancing themselves from far-right appropriations of their work.

The Legal Side of Unauthorized Music Use

When a musician’s work is used without permission or unlawfully, they have the right to issue a cease-and-desist letter demanding the stop of such usage. If ignored, this can escalate into a lawsuit for copyright infringement, potentially leading to damages. Labi Siffre’s move was clear—he wants the misuse of his anthem to end immediately.

The Aftermath and What It Means

This incident highlights how music—especially songs with profound social and political messages—can be weaponized or misused in ways the artists never intended. Siffre’s reaction is more than about copyright; it’s about protecting the meaning and integrity behind his work.

He summed it up perfectly when he remarked on the irony of his song belonging to a community so far removed from his values, saying, “These people would have to be incredibly creative to come up with anything that would offend or hurt my feelings, and they are not creative people. It’s just same old, same old.”

Final Thoughts: When Art and Politics Collide

In a world where music often becomes a soundtrack to movements, Siffre’s stand reminds us that the message behind the melody matters just as much as the tune itself. Should artists have the final say over who can use their work — especially when it’s linked to causes diametrically opposed to their beliefs? It’s a question that resonates beyond just this case.

FAQ

• What inspired Labi Siffre to write ‘(Something Inside) So Strong’?
  The song was inspired by a TV documentary showing white soldiers shooting black civilians during apartheid in South Africa.
• Why did Labi Siffre object to Tommy Robinson’s use of the song?
  Siffre opposed the unauthorized use due to copyright infringement and the contradiction between his values and Robinson’s far-right movement.
• What legal steps has Siffre taken against Robinson?
  He issued a cease-and-desist order demanding that Robinson stop using the song.
• Were other artists also upset by the use of their songs at the rally?
  Yes, Tim Booth of James also expressed disgust over his band’s song ‘Sit Down’ being used in connection with the event.
• What was the size and impact of the rally where the song was played?
  The rally in central London drew between 110,000 and 150,000 people, with some arrests and police injuries reported.

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