Composer of Donkey Kong 64 Explains Nintendo's Lack of Credit in Super Mario Bros. Film
Grant Kirkhope, the composer for the DK Rap from Donkey Kong 64, shares insights on why he was not acknowledged in the Super Mario Bros. Movie, revealing Nintendo's stance on music credit.
Nintendo has been stirring up controversy lately, especially following its actions targeting fan projects and mods. Recently, Grant Kirkhope, known for composing the DK Rap in Donkey Kong 64, voiced his frustration regarding his lack of credit in the recent Super Mario Bros. film.
Speaking with Eurogamer, Kirkhope stated:
“They said we decided that any music that was quoted from the games that we owned, we wouldn’t credit the composers—apart from Koji Kondo.”
This decision reflects Nintendo’s legal rights but raises questions about its treatment of artists. Kirkhope humorously noted the paradox of the situation, saying he and his family sat through the film just to see his name in the credits, but to no avail.
He further explains the method behind the music in the film:
“It’s bizarre how they just sampled it straight from the game… They just plugged in the N64 and sampled it and looped it.”
With the challenges of crediting in the gaming industry being a recurring issue, this instance highlights a larger conversation about recognition for creative contributions.
