Guwahati– As Assam mourns the loss of its musical icon Zubeen Garg, efforts have begun to digitally preserve his voice to prevent unauthorised use or tampering in the future.
Singer-composer Manas Robin, a close associate of Garg, said the initiative will create a unique “digital signature” of the singer’s voice, making it traceable if misused. “With technology making massive strides, especially in AI-generated software, it is possible that Zubeen’s voice samples could be misused. Preserving it digitally will ensure authenticity and protection,” Robin said while paying homage at Sarusajai stadium, where lakhs of fans gathered on Monday.
He explained that just as digitally altered faces can be detected, systems are being developed to trace the origin of a voice to its preserved version. Garg’s songs have already been archived, and the singer himself inaugurated one such archive days before his death. “Digital preservation of Zubeen’s work is underway through his YouTube channel and other platforms. Adding a digital signature will ensure no one can tamper with or pass off his voice as their own,” Robin added.
Garg, 52, died while swimming in Singapore on Friday. His mortal remains reached Guwahati on Sunday, and his last rites will be performed with state honours on Tuesday.
Robin said Garg’s passing has sparked a rediscovery of his music, not only in Assam but globally. “The spontaneous grief and the gathering of lakhs of people have shown the world what Zubeen meant for Assam,” he said, praising the singer’s unmatched ability to perform effortlessly in high octaves.
