Master KG is set to be sued over alleged copyright infringement for his international hit Jerusalema.
Charmza The DJ’s lawyers have served a letter of demand, which claims the original melody of the composition, beats and the arrangement of the song and vocals were his.
The letter of demand alleges that in August of 2019, Charmza was invited by Master KG to work with him and Zikode in studio in Midrand.
It’s during that studio session that Charmza claims that he “originated, authored, composed and produced the original musical composition” that would be released as Jerusalema.
The letter of demand goes on to say that Caharmza is entitled to obtain relief in the form of, among other things, damages.
MUSIC: Master KG sued over Jerusalema
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) November 17, 2021
Producer Charmza The DJ has served Master KG’s camp with a letter of demand over copyright ownership of Jerusalema.
He claims the original melody of the composition, beats & the arrangement of the song and vocals were his.#KgopoloReports pic.twitter.com/92z01XxR0B
In July, singer Zikode released a statement claiming she still hadn’t been paid her royalties.
“I have not been paid a cent by the label for Jerusalema, despite the song’s global success,” she said on Instagram.
“I have been ridiculed with efforts to marginalise my contribution … the matter is now with my lawyers,” she said.
Master KG then took to Twitter to post his response: “@Nomcebozikode Can you confirm if you Not yet Received R1.5 Million So far From Jerusalema???
@Nomcebozikode Can you confirm if you Not yet Received R1.5 Million So far From Jerusalema???And before I Explain many things You Guys Havent Paid Me For 'Xola Moya Wami" Till date...But you Received money so far From Jerusalema
— MASTER KG (@MasterKGsa) July 11, 2021
The award-winning Jerusalema, which was released in mid-2020, became a global anthem for the pandemic.
The gospel track went to number in several countries, spawned the #JerusalemaChallenge video dance craze, and turned Master KG into a mega star.