Nomcebo Zikode to go to court if Open Mic fails to pay her royalties

'We are unhappy with Open Mic’s delay as we had jointly undertaken to adhere to clearly stipulated timelines,' said Nomcebo's management

19 May 2023 - 11:20
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Nomcebo Zikode says she is still fighting for royalties from Open Mic.
Nomcebo Zikode says she is still fighting for royalties from Open Mic.
Image: Instagram/Nomcebo Zikode

Grammy Award-winning singer Nomcebo Zikode has dismissed reports her legal battle with record label Open Mic is over, saying it is not, by a long shot.

In July 2021 the singer said she had not been paid royalties for her hit song Jerusalema or her project Xola Moya Wam and would fight to get what is hers. 

Her management on Thursday dismissed claims she had resolved her long-term battle with the company, as she had allegedly still not received incentives due to her. 

It added a court ruling was obtained in late 2022 ordering Open Mic and Nomcebo to enter into a joint venture agreement. However, the company has, until now, failed to meet its end of the bargain. 

IMG Africa CEO Sibonga Mhlungu said they were prepared to go to court should the label fail to remedy the situation in the coming weeks. 

“Nomcebo is awaiting finalisation of this matter so she can continue her recording plans to put out new music to further her career as a recording artist,” he said.

“We are unhappy with Open Mic’s delay as we had jointly undertaken to adhere to clearly stipulated timelines on submission of all required information, which remains outstanding, thus prolonging the matter. Should this not be resolved in the coming weeks we are certain we’ll go back to court.”

Open Mic Productions spokesperson Nkateko Maluleke said the company would not comment on the matter. 

Meanwhile, Makhadzi's new management is finding the best legal team to help her cut ties with Open Mic.

This after it disputed a statement by the Limpopo singer in which she announced her departure from Open Mic, saying she was not renewing her contract to focus on her company and other business ventures. 

According to Sunday World, the stable knew nothing of Makhadzi's departure as she allegedly signed an “auto-renewable” contract. 

A source from the record label revealed to ZiMoja a clause stipulating Makhadzi will continue to work for the label unless they are dissatisfied with her performance.

Makhadzi's management said they will seek legal advice as they have obtained the contract with the clause that states the singer is still affiliated with the company.

“This is becoming a legal matter so we are going to meet our lawyers to give us the way forward. We received the contract which she signed so we are presenting it to our lawyers so we can be advised what to do next.”

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