West Ink Records musician Ndumiso “Madanon” Ndimande is accused of stealing music verses and using them as his own.
The gqom musician’s friend and music composer, Sinethemba “Mreyza” Sibisi, alleges that Ndimande used to request music verses from him.
Requested verses, then used them as his own
“He requested three verses for different songs, and I gave them to him. Then he pretended as if he owned the verses and sang them in other artists’ songs. For example, he used my verse in Babes Wodumo’s song Thobeka. He used another verse in Que’s song People Are Burning, and another in DJ Bhunu’s Abangan Bam.
“I had no problem with him singing these verses in other people’s songs. But I should have been credited for my work. The fact that he presented my work as his own to these artists is a problem. It’s actually theft of my intellectual property. At no stage did he tell these artists that I was the composer of those verses.
“I am aggrieved because this is my creativity and I need to be paid for it. I’m also upset because he performs my verses at gigs and gets paid for them while I get nothing. The least he could do is credit me so I can receive royalties.
Babes Wodumo unaware of this
“I know Babes Wodumo, Que, and DJ Bhunu are not aware they are using stolen work. Otherwise, they would have credited me as one of the composers of those songs,” fumed Sibisi.
He said there was no formal agreement between them. However, there was a mutual understanding that he would be credited.
“I’ve tried reaching out to him, but he’s not responding to my calls or text messages. He knows I’m angry. I just need him to tell these artists that this is my work so I can rightfully get my royalties,” he said.
Long-time friends
Sibisi and Ndimande met in 2013 and have been working together ever since.
“We met at a friend’s studio, and he liked my work. He convinced me to join his record label, Team Phuzukufa. At that time, we were just underground artists, but he was already making a name for himself. I had no idea he wanted to exploit my talent.”
Babes Wodumo, Que, and DJ Bhunu were contacted, but their phones were not answered.
Ndimande was also contacted and admitted that he knows Sibisi. “I know Mreyz and I’ve worked with him. Unfortunately I cannot comment right now because I’m busy on a shoot,” he said, before dropping the call.
