By Lulama kaSozathini Pic: Facebook
Gauteng, South Africa – May 10, 2025 — Grammy Award-winning singer Nomcebo Zikode has lost a high-profile legal battle against Open Mic Productions, following a ruling by the Gauteng High Court on May 9. The court ordered Zikode to fulfill her contractual obligations by delivering two full albums to the label before she can be released from her agreement.
The case, which has gripped the South African music industry since 2022, centered around Zikode’s attempt to sever ties with Open Mic Productions amid disputes over creative control, contract terms, and ownership of the global hit song Jerusalema. The court ruled that the hit track was solely composed by Master KG (Kgaogelo Moagi), dismissing claims that Zikode had co-authorship.
In its decision, the court emphasized the binding nature of contracts, stating: “Zikode is bound by the agreement she entered into. To declare otherwise would contradict the principle that agreements must be kept.”
The judgment also underscored a 2022 settlement in which both Zikode and Open Mic agreed to launch a 50/50 joint venture for future projects through Africori. However, by 2024, Zikode sought to exit the arrangement, citing mistrust and claims of non-compliance by the label.
Open Mic Productions’ CEO Lionel Jamela, reacting to the court victory, issued a scathing statement:
“I made Nomcebo. Today, she’s a millionaire because of my investment. When I met her, no one believed in her. I built her, and then she turned against me. She still owes me two proper albums — not bedroom projects. One must drop in 2026, the next in 2027.”
Jamela further revealed that the label would be launching a financial audit into Zikode’s dealings to determine if she owes any money to the company.
The ruling marks a dramatic turn in one of South Africa’s most publicized music disputes, with significant implications for artist-label relationships across the industry.
Pic: Facebook
In a statement issued by Emazulwini Productions on behalf of Zikode the company expressed disappointment at the ruling and vowed to continue fighting for justice in the matter. While we respect the role of the Court, we cannot ignore the bigger picture: this case represents more than a contractual disagreement – it is about the rights of an artist to be acknowledged “said Ezulwini”.
@icamagunews
