The widely-acclaimed hit caught the world by storm following its release, making some of the best playlists of all DJs across the world, including massive success on the Billboard charts and other international charts.
A remix of the track featuring Burna Boy would go atop the Billboard charts and subsequently go on to win multiple awards including the NRJ Music Award for International Song of the Year.
However, all turns sour when royalties begin to come in, during which featured artist Nomcebo Zikode released a statement, accusing Open Mic Productions of owing her what she’s due.
In her statement, the artist claimed the record label had not paid her all she’s due after the track saw international success.
“I have not been paid a cent by the record label for #Jerusalema despite the song’s global success. I have been ridiculed, with efforts to marginalise my contribution.
she continued: “I, as a female artist, can’t stay silent anymore, the matter is now with my lawyers.”
In response to Nomcebo’s allegations, Master KG debunked the singer’s claims, saying she was requesting more money than they agreed upon prior to the song’s international success.
Taking to Twitter, Master KG revealed:
The Agreement Of Jerusalema Is 50/50 Between Me And Nomcebo But Wants 70% and I Must Get 30%
— MASTER KG (@MasterKGsa) July 11, 2021
A subsequent tweet revealed that Nomcebo had previously gone on tour without him and that he was supposedly not opposed to her decision, but when it was his chance to do the same, the singer freely shared with everyone who would listen that she’d been left behind.
Last Year Nomcebo Started Jerusalema Tour Without Me And I Never Had A Problem And Few Weeks Back I Started My Tour And Then Nomcebo Went To The Media and Created a Story That I'm Leaving Her behind…I Dont Really Know Why Things Must Be Like This pic.twitter.com/94G50TOrLF
— MASTER KG (@MasterKGsa) July 11, 2021
In a statement released by Open Mic Productions, neither artist has been paid royalties due to Nomcebo’s refusal to sign the previously agreed upon contract.
“We can confirm that during the creation of the song Master KG (main artist) and Nomcebo Zikode (the featured artist) agreed on sharing 50/50 of Master KG’s earnings. The featured artist agreement which reflected the equal split was drafted last year November for both parties to sign. Nomcebo Zikode through her legal team reviewed the contract and proposed a higher percentage.
“No payment has been made to either artist as yet because Nomcebo is yet to sign the featured artist agreement that essentially records what was agreed between herself and Master KG prior to both of them going into the studio.”
See below for the full statement by Open Mic Productions.
Education: Computer Network Engineering, Computer Desktop Administration
Fave Song: Destiny's Child 'Dangerously in love'
Fave Colour: Grey.
With £1m what would you do: I would do my part to provide opportunities to the less fortunate. Then do my best to change the world in my own way through sports and talent building.
