The Swiss SVP election campaign song has great similarities with “We Are Family” by the band Sister Sledge, which was written by Nile Rodgers. Although “Das isch d’SVP” is sung, the chorus undoubtedly sounds exactly like the classic song.
For Rodgers, that’s a number too hearty, which is why he has now made it clear that he disapproves of the use of “We Are Family” in the context of offensive advertising for right-wing populist politics.
The musician wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “I wrote ‘We Are Family’ as an ultimate song about inclusion and diversity in all areas, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion or sexual orientation.”
Rodgers even more bluntly: “I condemn the use of the song by the SVP or any other person who does not trust the values of the song and does not adhere to the ideas of all decent people.”
Song blocked on YouTube
“Das isch d’SVP” was only banned from YouTube on Tuesday (August 15) after Sony Music made it clear that it was made available as a copyright infringement. There is a lot of support for this step on the net, and Nile Rodgers also receives praise for his statements on the subject of showing the flag here.
At least the video for the song and the text do not indicate political slogans in the ultra-conservative spectrum. Even if some politicians from the party can be seen dancing and there is a small tip against climate activists, the song remains more of a fun number without any deeper meaning. This is one of the reasons why politicians from the SVP are fighting against the blocking.
First and foremost Thomas Matter, SVP National Councilor in Zurich and composer of the campaign song. He hinted to CH Media that the play was in no way plagiarized. “If I’m actually accused of adorning myself with someone else’s feathers, then not a single new pop hit could appear,” he said. According to Watson, the party is considering legal action against YouTube.