Nomcebo Zikode Faces Setback in Legal Battle Over "Jerusalema" Royalties, Continues to Shine with New MusicSouth African songstress Nomcebo Zikode, renowned for her soul-stirring vocals on the global anthem "Jerusalema," has hit a roadblock in her ongoing legal dispute with Open Mic Productions.
On May 9, 2025, the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria ruled against Zikode, dismissing her claims for unpaid royalties from the 2019 hit that captivated the world. The court ordered her to deliver two commercially viable albums to fulfill her contract before parting ways with the label, a decision that has left the Grammy-nominated artist disheartened.
Zikode, who has spent a staggering R1.8 million on legal fees since the dispute began in 2022, expressed her frustration in a heartfelt statement: “A song that gave the world hope has broken me… I haven’t seen a cent.” Undeterred, she announced plans to appeal the ruling, signaling that her fight for justice is far from over. The case has drawn widespread attention, highlighting the challenges artists face in securing fair compensation in the music industry.
Despite the legal turmoil, Zikode’s creative spirit remains unbroken. In October 2024, she teamed up with Kenyan artist Sofiya Nzau and Nigerian star Fireboy DML for a vibrant three-step dance track titled "META." The song, a celebration of African cultural diversity, has garnered millions of views worldwide, showcasing Zikode’s ability to bridge musical traditions across the continent. Fans have lauded the collaboration as a testament to her versatility and enduring appeal.
Adding to her musical momentum, Zikode is gearing up for a new release in the Maskandi genre, a collaboration with acclaimed artist Mthandeni SK titled “Ishephisi Ejezini.” Set to drop soon, the track is already generating buzz and is expected to resonate deeply with South African audiences.
Zikode’s journey reflects both the highs and lows of a global music career. As she navigates the complexities of her legal battle, her new music continues to inspire and unite listeners across borders.
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