Why Nomcebo Zikode hasn't received any payment for 'Jerusalema'

Open Mic, the record label that released the 'Jerusalema' hit single in 2020, has finally explained why featured artist, Nomcebo Zikode, has not received any payment for the hit.

In a statement released on Twitter, the label claims the artist never signed the featured artist agreement.

"We note the utterances made by our artist Nomcebo Zikode on social media in regard to payment for her featured artist role in the song Jerusalema by Master KG," read the statement from the company.

The company says Zikode and Master KG agreed on a 50/50 sharing of the earnings, but the featured artist later demanded more.

"We can confirm that during the creation of the song, that Master KG (the main artist) and Nomcebo Zikode (the featured artist) agreed on sharing 50/50 on Master KG's earnings. The featured artist's agreement which reflected an equal split between the two artists was drafted last year November for both parties to sign.

READ: Master KG featured on Times Square billboard

"Nomcebo Zikode through her legal team reviewed the contract and proposed a higher percentage," read the statement.

As a result, the company says neither Master KG or Zikode have received payment.

"No payments have been made to either artist as yet because Nomcebo Zikode is yet to sign the featured artist agreement that essentially records what was agreed between herself and Master KG prior to both of them going into the studio to record Jerusalema".

The company says there has been back and forth communications between the involved parties, and the last engagement took place on 19 June 2021 with Zikode’s legal team.

Read the full statement below.

Over the weekend, Nomcebo Zikode made a shocking revelation that she hasn't received a "cent" from the global hit single, 'Jerusalema'.

The song put South Africa on the map and has won several international awards, and saw the two artists perform all over the world.

Master KG took to social media to share his side of the story. He claimed Zikode was seeking 70% of the earnings of the song.

READ: ‘Jerusalema’ singer Nomcebo Zikode gets international deal

Image courtesy of Instagram/ @Nomcebo_zikode