South African singer Nomcebo Zikode’s legal battle over unpaid royalties for her global hit “Jerusalema.” Zikode, who co-wrote and featured on the 2019 track produced by Master KG, revealed she has “not seen a single cent” despite the song’s worldwide success. The post includes a statement from her agency, Nomcebo Zikode and Emazulwini Productions, detailing her High Court case against Open Mic Productions.
See post:
Nomcebo Zikode’s statement, highlights her ongoing struggle for fair compensation. “Jerusalema,” a gospel-inspired house track, became a global sensation in 2020, topping charts like the Billboard Music and Apple Music charts and inspiring the viral #JerusalemaDanceChallenge. Despite its success, Zikode claims she has not received any payment from Open Mic Productions, the label that signed her for the project.
Read also: Dammy Krane Threatens Legal Action Against Davido Over Unpaid Royalties on “Pere”
The statement from Nomcebo Zikode and Emazulwini Productions, reveals that Zikode initiated legal action in the Johannesburg High Court against Open Mic Productions and related parties. She alleges a lack of transparency in royalty distribution, claiming the label has withheld her rightful earnings while benefiting from the song’s global reach. Zikode’s caption on the post reads, “I still have not seen a single cent, and I am still fi✝️ghting 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.” The Nomcebo Zikode Jerusalema royalties dispute underscores a broader issue of artist exploitation in the music industry.
“Jerusalema,” released in 2019, became a cultural phenomenon, blending South African house music with gospel elements. The song, produced by Master KG and featuring Zikode’s vocals, peaked at number 1 on various charts and was certified gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa within two weeks. Its global success was amplified by the #JerusalemaDanceChallenge, which saw people worldwide—from healthcare workers to nuns—dancing to its rhythm, as noted by the African Union.
Read alao: Rudeboy reaches out to twin brother through lawyer amid music rights dispute
However, behind the song’s success lies a history of tension. Zikode first revealed in July 2021 that she hadn’t been paid for her contribution, a claim that led to public disputes with Master KG, who responded by citing a disagreement over royalty percentages (ECR, 2021). The ongoing Nomcebo Zikode Jerusalema royalties dispute, now in the High Court, suggests that these issues remain unresolved, casting a shadow over the song’s legacy.
