Umkhokha Dispute Settled: Zithulele Wins Copyright Battle
Zithulele Khwela, after battling the creators of ‘Umkhokha: The Curse’ for months, finally won proper credit for his songs in the show.
In a classic case of “pay the piper or face the music,” renowned producer, songwriter, and composer Zithulele Khwela has secured rightful credit and compensation for his soundtracks in the popular telenovela “Umkhokha: The Curse.” After months of battling the show’s creators over alleged exploitation and withheld royalties, Khwela’s music will finally be recognised and valued.
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As reported by Zimoja, his victory follows a David-and-Goliath struggle which was led by seasoned music producer Tshepo Nzimande, owner of ZuzMuzi Music. Nzimande refused to stand by while Khwela, the man behind “Umkhokha: The Curse’s” melodies, was denied royalties for the show’s hit soundtrack “Mkhululi Wezoni” and other featured songs.
While the exact financial terms remain confidential due to a non-disclosure agreement, Khwela will now receive substantial recognition for his musical contributions to the show.
WHAT STARTED THE ‘UMKHOKHA: THE CURSE’ LEGAL BATTLE?
According to Sunday World, the saga began in October 2023 when Khwela, despite his music saturating the popular Mzansi Magic show, felt increasingly unheard. Zuzmuzi Music alleged that Khwela’s signature tracks were featured throughout “Umkhokha: The Curse” without his consent or any prior licensing agreements.
With millions of viewers tuning in each week, the show had undoubtedly benefited from Khwela’s music. Zuzmuzi Music demanded a hefty R3 million from the producers, igniting a legal battle that exposed the murky underbelly of music rights in the television industry.
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BEYOND MONEY, A MATTER OF RESPECT.
For Khwela, this wasn’t just about the money; it was about respect and validation. “Mkhululi Wezoni” was born from a “dark space,” he shared with Zimoja, and having his music exploited without proper recognition was deeply personal. He even confessed feeling betrayed by the show’s producers, who he claims initially promised him “heaven and earth.”
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Fortunately, Nzimande stepped in, determined to fight for Khwela’s rights. While remaining tight-lipped about the specifics, Nzimande confirmed the victory and assured Khwela would be compensated for his work. Producers, on the other hand, remained relatively silent, with Multichoice’s CEO simply stating, “The matter is closed now.”
The settlement not only ensures financial compensation but also acknowledges Khwela’s creative ownership and sets a precedent for fair treatment of artists in South Africa.
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