SOUTH AFRICA – Musician Nomcebo Zikode has said she wants to continue her fight for royalties for the smash hit song, Jerusalema, despite a South African court dismissing her case on Friday.
Since 2021, Nomcebo has been at loggerheads with Open Mic Productions and Africori with claims she has not received any recording royalties for her contribution to the global hit song.
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.
Writing on Instagram, Nomcebo said Jerusalema had turned from a blessing to a curse in her life.
“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.
In a statement, issued by her company, Emazulwini Productions, Zikode said she found the judgment flawed and troubling.
“Nomcebo has not received a cent in recording royalties from Open Mic Productions for her iconic contribution to the global hit song Jerusalema.
“Despite her pivotal role in a cultural milestone that united and inspired millions across the globe, she continues to face a lack of transparency and meaningful accountability from those who have profited from her work,” read the statement.
“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.”
Zikode said the fight for what she believed was hers would not stop.
“This decision, while disheartening, only strengthens her resolve to exhaust every available legal avenue until fairness is achieved.
“She is grateful for the continued support of her fans, peers and the wider public and urges the music industry to reckon with the systemic issues this matter brings to the forefront. Justice delayed is not justice denied. The fight continues and Nomcebo will not be silenced.”
