Latest news with #OpenMicProductions
The Citizen
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Nomcebo Zikode: 'I will keep on fighting through this pain'
Nomcebo lost a court case against Open Mic Productions. Award-winning singer Nomcebo Zikode says she will keep fighting for justice after losing a court battle against Open Mic Productions. Zikode and her company, Emazulwini Productions, issued a joint statement expressing disappointment following the Pretoria High Court judgment delivered on 9 May 2025. The court dismissed her application to declare parts of a 2022 settlement agreement unenforceable and ordered her to deliver two more albums to Open Mic before she can exit her contract. 'A song that once gave the world hope has, in turn, broken me. I still have not seen a single cent, and I am still fighting for my rights. 'But I will keep on fighting through this pain and exhaustion because we cannot continue excusing the exploitation of artists in this beautiful country. Aluta Continua,' Zikode wrote on Instagram. The Citizen sent questions to Zikode, but she had not responded at the time of publication. ALSO READ: Master KG to appear in court over 'Jerusalema' copyright dispute Legal battle over royalties and rights Zikode and Open Mic have been locked in legal disputes since 2022 over her and Master KG's global hit Jerusalema. However, the recent court case centred on her Grammy-winning track Bayethe. In her application, Zikode asked the court to compel Open Mic to meet its accounting obligations, including detailed disclosures of income from synchronisation licences, bookings, brand deals, physical sales of Jerusalema and royalty breakdowns. While the two parties settled out of court in 2022 — agreeing to a 50/50 joint venture for future releases via Africori — Zikode later returned to court, accusing the label of failing to uphold their end of the deal. Last week, the court ultimately ruled that she could not seek relief that contradicted or extended beyond the 2022 agreement. In the statement, Zikode and her record label describe the judgment as 'fundamentally flawed and deeply troubling'. 'While we respect the role of the court, we cannot ignore the bigger picture: this case represents more than a contractual disagreement – it is about the rights of an artist to be acknowledged, compensated and respected for their work. 'Nomcebo's battle is emblematic of the struggle faced by countless artists across the continent who are locked into unfair deals and denied their rightful earnings by powerful corporate entities,' the statement adds. Zikode's legal team is considering an appeal, according to the statement. NOW READ: 'Ma, are you crazy?': Helen Zille's sons react to Showmax Roast
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Unpacking the heartbreak of music contracts: Nomcebo Zikode's disturbing journey
Music contracts constitute the backbone of an artist's career, dictating crucial aspects such as financial arrangements and ownership rights. In a heartfelt message, she revealed a disheartening truth: she and her record label, Emazulwini Productions, have yet to see a single cent from the global hit 'Jerusalema', a song that propelled to international fame in collaboration with Master KG . Yesterday morning, as I scrolled through my Instagram feed, I stumbled upon a touching post from renowned South African singer Nomcebo Zikode . This revelation is particularly tragic, given the song's monumental success since its release in 2020. 'Jerusalema' became a viral sensation, uniting people across the globe during the Covid-19 pandemic with its infectious rhythm and inspiring dance challenges on platforms like TikTok. Yet, beneath this celebrated facade lies a disturbing tale of contractual disputes and unresolved financial obligations. In her statement, Zikode expressed profound disappointment following a legal defeat against Open Mic Productions, revealing that she had never received any payment for her work. She described the Gauteng High Court's judgment as 'fundamentally flawed and deeply troubling.' This legal tussle, which has been ongoing since 2022, has shaken the foundations of trust in the music industry and left artists questioning the fairness of their representation. As the public reacts to Zikode's woes, fans and fellow artists alike are voicing their concerns and seeking clarity on her contract agreement. Commenters on her post posed pointed questions, asking, 'What did your contract say?' and 'What kind of deal did you sign?' In response, Zikode clarified her situation, stating that while her obligation was to deliver two albums for the recording label, she cannot fulfill this until she receives pay for the chart-topping tracks 'Jerusalema' and 'Xola Moya Wam'. Zikode stressed that their initial agreement stipulated payments every three months, a commitment she believes has been significantly overlooked.
IOL News
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Grammy winner Nomcebo Zikode reacts to Court ruling against Open Mic Productions
Grammy award-winning musician Nomcebo Zikode is disappointed over losing her legal case against Open Mic Productions. In a statement, Zikode and her record label addressed the ruling by the High Court in Pretoria in her matter with Open Mic Productions and Africori SA. Zikode and Open Mic have been embroiled in a legal battle since 2022. In her statement, Zikode expressed her view on the judgment, labelling it 'fundamentally flawed and deeply troubling. The 'Bayethe' hitmaker's legal team is currently studying the full judgment and an appeal is being considered. 'While we respect the role of the Court, we cannot ignore the bigger picture: this case represents more than a contractual disagreement - it is about the rights of an artist to be acknowledged, compensated and respected for their work.
eNCA
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- eNCA
'Jerusalema' hit song battle heats up in court
PRETORIA - The court wrangle over the song 'Jerusalema' continues, with Open Mic Productions defending its handling of royalties. But singer Nomcebo Zikode's record label wants the company to comply with a court order, and reveal exactly how much the song has earned. Zikode's team hopes the case produces a win for artists' rights across the music industry. By reserving judgment, Judge Graham Moshoana has set the stage for a decisive showdown.
