Jumma Chumma vs Tamma Tamma: Bollywood plagiarised the same song twice, composers fought for credit
- The secret African origin of two huge hits
- The 90s rivalry that got messy
- Who actually ‘won’ the song battle?
We just saw a bit of music history that blew our minds. You know those two massive 90s songs, Jumma Chumma and Tamma Tamma? Well, they aren’t just similar. They are basically the same song! It was wild.
Both tracks took their beat from Mory Kanté’s Tama Tama. It was a total race. Bappi Lahiri and the duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal both wanted it for their movies. They didn’t even hide it. They fought for the credit. Total drama.
As art students, we love the visual style of this era. Think bright neon lights. Shiny metallic jackets. The aesthetic was loud and very proud. It was a whole vibe that defined a generation of dance. If you want more visual drama, check out this story about a movie that was banned for 55 years.
Bappi Lahiri actually recorded his version first. But the other team released theirs faster. It was competition at its peak. Pure 90s energy. While we talk about famous pairs, did you hear if Andy Reid is going to the Taylor Swift wedding? Talk about a modern power couple.
This music fight reminds us that nothing is truly original. Everything is a remix. Sometimes, it’s just a very obvious one. Speaking of slow-moving dramas, you might want to see our review of Diego Luna’s new film before you watch it. It’s a bit of a trek.
Our Take
Honestly? We love the messiness. In the 90s, they didn’t care about ‘sampling’ rules like we do now. They just wanted a hit. Even if the tunes were stolen, the visual energy was unmatched. It’s a lesson in how to make something yours even if it started somewhere else. Bold move.
