In a shocking turn of events, award-winning producer, songwriter, and composer, Zithulele Khwela, has decided to take legal action against the popular telenovela creators for failing to pay him.
Khwela, the mastermind behind the hit soundtrack, Mkhululi Wezoni, which features in the TV drama series, Umkhokha: The Curse, claims that the producers and creators have been using his music without compensating him.
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On Friday, Khwela released his debut album, also titled Mkhululi Wezoni, under Zuz’Muzi Music, a label owned by music mogul and former actor, Tshepo “Zuz’Muzi” Nzimande. Khwela has enlisted the services of Nzimande to help him recoup his royalties from the producers of the popular TV series, which was filmed in Durban.
The 40-year-old producer, who hails from the township of Lamontville in Durban, expressed his frustration with the situation. “Some of my baby mamas didn’t believe me when I told them that I haven’t been paid royalties for my music on Umkhokha.
“They think I’m rich because the show is popular and my music is constantly played there. I don’t understand why the producers are treating me this way after promising me so much,” he said.
Khwela revealed that the song, Mkhululi Wezoni, was written during a dark period in his life and holds deep personal meaning for him.
He is disappointed that despite having multiple songs featured on the TV series, he has not received any recognition or compensation for his work. He funded the recording of these songs with his group, the Lamontville Cultural Ensemble, using his own money.
Feeling betrayed and taken advantage of, Khwela is grateful that Nzimande is championing his cause against the creators and producers of Umkhokha: The Curse. “It’s disheartening that people know me as the man behind the popular song, yet I still live like a pauper,” he lamented. “The days of exploiting artists should be over.”
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Duma kaNdlovu, the show’s creator and executive producer, declined to comment and directed inquiries to the channel, Mzansi Magic.
Nomsa Philiso, the CEO of General Entertainment at Multichoice, confirmed the ongoing drama and assured that the legal teams are working towards a resolution. “Yes, we are aware of the situation. The necessary parties are in communication, and we expect a resolution soon,” she stated.
