Makhadzi accused of defamation in royalty row
Mokima Music has broken its silence following accusations by BET Award winner Makhadzi that her royalties were being collected without her consent.
The singer, whose real name is Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, recently alleged that her former label Open Mic Productions linked her to Mokima Music & Publishing, part of Virgin Music Group, without her approval.
“While preparing for my album, I’m making sure that my things move nicely and everything is in order. After my fallout with Open Mic, I never signed a publishing deal with any company,” she said.
Makhadzi further claimed that Open Mic established a company called Nazo in partnership with Mokima Production, which she believes has been working with Virgin Music Group to collect her publishing royalties.
“I found out that my old management at Open Mic opened a company called Nazo in partnership with Mukima Production that works with a new company called Virgin Music Group. The two companies are busy collecting my publishing royalties without my knowledge. I don’t know at this point what you want from me. I am not bothering anyone, I am just doing my thing,” she wrote.
Open Mic’s Lionel Jamela dismissed her allegations, insisting: “Again, we will [not] entertain this. She must focus on her own company.”
Mokima Music, however, has defended its position, stating that it lawfully entered into an Administration and Publishing Agreement with Nazo Digital, which represented itself as Makhadzi’s publisher.
“We have seen a signed publishing agreement between Nazo Digital and the composer, Makhadzi, which contains her signature,” the company said in a statement, accusing the star of defaming them.
According to Mokima Music, all royalties collected have been paid to Nazo Digital in line with the agreement.
Meanwhile, Makhadzi’s manager, Maphuti Mathatho, has confirmed they are handling the matter.
“This is happening at a crucial time when [Makhadzi’s album] is about to be released. It’s obviously a negative force,” he said.
