Music publishing company Mokima Music has responded to claims made by BET Award winner Makhadzi on royalties and contract.
Makhadzi, real name Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, claimed that her former record label, Open Mic Productions, signed her up with Mokima Music and Publishing (Virgin Music Group) without her knowledge.
“While preparing for my album, I’m making sure that my things move nicely and everything is in order. After my fallout with Open Mic, I never signed a publishing deal with any company,” she stated.
Company collecting royalties due to her
“I found out that my old management at Open Mic opened a company called Nazo in partnership with Mukima Production that works with a new company called Virgin Music Group.
“The two companies are busy collecting my publishing royalties without my knowledge. I don’t know at this point what you want from me. I am not bothering anyone, I am just doing my thing.”
Her former manager at Open Mic, Lionel Jamela, disputed the claims.
“Again, we will [not] entertain this,” he said.
“She must focus on her own company.”
Makhadzi allegedly signed deal
The company responded to recent public statements made by Makhadzi and Mokima Music & Publishing. The statements referring to how they became Makhadzi’s publishing company without her knowledge.
The company said it entered into a valid Administration and Publishing Agreement with Nazo Digital. The latter represented itself as the publisher for Makhadzi.
“We have seen a signed publishing agreement between Nazo Digital and the composer, Makhadzi, which contains her signature,” they said in a statement.
They claim that Makhadzi defamed them.
Makhadzi team ‘managing’ the matter
“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.”
Makhadzi’s manager, Maphuti Mathatho, said the matter is “being managed”.
“This is happening at a crucial time when [Makhadzi’s album] is about to be released. It’s obviously a negative force.”
