Cici Drops Legal Bombshell Over Hamba Juba Royalties As Lady Amar Cries Foul

The drama around the smash hit Hamba Juba just went nuclear. South African singer Cici (real name Busisiwe Thwala) has released a scathing legal statement confirming that she — along with her company The House of Thom — hasn’t received a cent in royalties or master share payments for the record-breaking song, despite it being out for two whole years.

The announcement comes hot on the heels of DJ Lady Amar’s viral revelation that she too has “not seen even a cent” from the song’s massive success. Fans have been eating up the mess ever since controversial blogger Musa Khawula posted a clip of Lady Amar breaking down her side of the story and pleading with social media to stop attacking her online.

 

Cici’s Lawyers Come Out Swinging 

In a no-nonsense press release, Cici’s legal team confirmed that split sheets were signed by all contributors before the track’s release — making the alleged non-payment a direct breach of contract. The statement reads in part:

“Our clients have not, to date, been placed in receipt of their rightful and proportionate royalty and master share entitlements… despite a duly executed split sheet. Such obligation has, regrettably, been breached. If mediation fails, our clients shall, without further notice, institute formal legal proceedings to enforce their rights and recover all outstanding sums.”

 

The team revealed that the dispute is already before SAMRO (South African Music Rights Organisation) for mediation, but made it clear they’re ready to head to court if necessary.

The Money Mystery 

The Hamba Juba saga first exploded when Lady Amar (Thando Duma) went public, revealing she hadn’t been paid “even a cent” since the track dropped. “I don’t know even a cent,” she said in the viral clip. “It has been two years… please stop insulting me, I’m also a victim.”

Fans were quick to weigh in, slamming the industry for what they called exploitative contracts and questioning why artists of this calibre are left in the dark when it comes to their own money.

One user, @lucky_thedon1_, pointed out: “Someone please educate these artists how long it takes to start getting paid… does one hit record even make one successful?”
Another, @_babybearr, asked: “Are all South African artists illiterate when it comes to music contracts? Or are these broken promises?”

With Cici, Lady Amar, JL SA and Murumba Pitch all caught in the crossfire, fans are demanding answers about where the money went — and who’s been cashing the cheques.

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