Record Label Fires Back at Makhadzi’s Swindle Accusations: “She Must Focus on Her Own Company”

• Makhadzi claimed that Open Mic Productions and Mokima Music & Publishing are profiting from her work without her consent
• The companies reacted, with Open Mic Productions refusing to entertain her claims, while Mokima shared details of the deal, which they claim Makhadzi also signed
• Makhadzi's manager also broke silence on the matter, revealing that it was being handled

Hebanna! A record label has responded to allegations by Makhadzi that they swindled her.

Makhadzi set tongues wagging after opening up about how her former record label, Open Mic Productions, continues to benefit from her hard work, allegedly without her consent. Having spoken publicly about not being paid a cent for her past work, Makhadzi claimed that Open Mic had signed a deal with Mokima Music & Publishing and was collecting her royalties without her knowledge.

Now, Mokima and Open Mic have broken their silence and addressed the reigning Metro FM Artist of the Year Award winner.

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Record labels react to Makhadzi's accusations

When contacted for comment by Sunday World, Lionel Jamela, her former manager at Open Mic, refused to entertain Makhadzi’s claims.

“Again, we will [not] entertain this. She must focus on her own company,” Jamela said.

Mokima Music & Publishing shared how they became Makhadzi’s publishing company.

The company said it entered into a valid Administration and Publishing Agreement with Nazwo Digital, which claimed to be Makhadzi’s publisher. Mokima suggested that Makhadzi signed the agreement. As a result, Mokima claims that Makhadzi defamed them.

“We have seen a signed publishing agreement between Nazwo Digital and the composer, Makhadzi, which contains her signature,” they said in a statement.

Mokima shared the finer details of their deal with Nazwo Digital. The music and publishing company shared that all royalties are given to Nazwo Digital.

“In line with our agreement with Nazwo Digital, Mokima Music & Publishing has lawfully collected publishing royalties on behalf of Nazwo Digital for their catalogue. All royalties due have been distributed to Nazwo Digital in accordance with our agreement.”

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Makhadzi's team responds to the record labels

When contacted for a comment, Makhadzi’s current manager, Maphuti Mathatho, said they were dealing with the matter at a time when Makhadzi is getting ready to release her new album.

“This is happening at a crucial time when [Makhadzi’s album] is about to be released. It’s obviously a negative force,” Mathatho said.

The development also comes at a time when Makhadzi is preparing for her historic One Woman Show titled Womandla.

In July, the BET award winner revealed a powerful all-woman first-phase line-up and officially launched the event in her hometown, Thohoyandou, Limpopo.

Nomcebo Zikode takes Open Mic Productions to court

Meanwhile, Makhadzi isn't the only musician with a bone to pick with Open Mic Productions regarding royalties.

Briefly News reported that Nomcebo Zikode reportedly took the record label back to court over contractual disagreements.

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For years, the Jerusalema singer and her former record label, Open Mic Productions, had been involved in a legal battle over royalties.

Source: Briefly News