Grammy Award winner Nomcebo Zikode has lost her legal case against Open Mic Productions.
Image: Instagram/nomcebo_zikode
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.
“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.”
In her statement, she explained that at the centre of her dispute is her not receiving a cent in recording royalties from Open Mic Productions for her contribution to global hit “Jerusalema”
“To date, Open Mic has not adequately accounted to her in respect of revenues received from Jerusalema or other music released under their label.
“They have systematically sought to downplay her contribution and obstruct her professional progress while continuing to benefit from her creative labour,” she said in a statement.
Open Mic and Zikode entered into a joint venture agreement in 2022 and settled the outstanding issues between the two parties. However, Open Mic delayed submitting the necessary information and Zikode returned to the courts.
She alleged that Open Mic had failed to comply with its accounting obligations.
IOL Entertainment