AIM25 jury can detect AI-generated songs: Ajai

The jury for the 25th Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM25) possesses the expertise to identify music generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI), according to the event's chief judge, Ajai.

Ajai, a composer also known as Mohamad Faizal Maas, explained that current AI applications often produce a uniform sound quality, which makes them easily detectable through vocal patterns and musical arrangements. "The jury will know if a song uses AI because the application usually produces a uniform sound. Most use male or female voices that are almost identical and easy to detect," he stated.

He further elaborated that professional judges can discern differences in the musical arrangements and sound quality produced by AI. Ajai views AI as a giant database compiling melodies from around the world, which are then combined into a song. He emphasized that AI should function as a technical assistance tool, not a complete substitute for human creativity and talent in artistic creation.

"My stance is that it's not wrong to use AI to help correct certain parts or as a technical aid, similar to using auto-tune," Ajai said. "However, excessive use of auto-tune will produce a 'chipmunk' sound. Don't let AI be used to produce the entire work. If that happens, the originality and human soul in the song will be lost," he cautioned.

Ajai also stressed that the primary judging criterion for AIM remains the overall quality of a work, not solely focusing on the singer or lyricist. "We evaluate every aspect, from the sound before recording, during recording, the mixing process, to the mastering stage. We also want to educate listeners to understand that without these technical skills, a work cannot achieve the best standard. This also serves as a learning process for the public to recognize musical elements like reverb, delay, and various other technical aspects," he added.

Meanwhile, the Recording Industry Association of Malaysia (RIM) announced that AIM25 will be held for the first time at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) in Sarawak on September 26. Two new categories, Best Borneo Song and Best Festival Song, have been introduced to strengthen inclusivity in the local music industry. The nomination submission process is open from July 16 to August 6, 2026, via the official AIM website.