Cici Issues Official Statement on Hamba Juba Royalty Dispute

South African singer and songwriter Cici, also known as Busisiwe Thwala, has released a detailed press statement addressing the ongoing royalty and master share dispute surrounding her hit song Hamba Juba. In her statement, she confirms that she and The House of Thom have not received their rightful payments, despite the song being released two years ago.

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Cici’s legal team released the following statement in full:

“To whom it may concern,

RE: OFFICIAL PRESS STATEMENT: BREACH OF ROYALTY AND MASTER SHARE OBLIGATIONS – ‘HAMBA JUBA’

1. We confirm that we act on behalf of Ms. Busisiwe Thwala, in her personal capacity (aka “Cici”) and The House of Thom (collectively “our clients”).
2. It has come to our clients’ attention that concerns have been publicly ventilated by JL SA, Lady Amar, and Murumba Pitch in respect of the musical work “Hamba Juba.” For the avoidance of doubt, it is placed on record that our clients have not, to date, been placed in receipt of their rightful and proportionate royalty and master share entitlements arising from the aforesaid work.
3. This is notwithstanding the fact that a duly executed split sheet, reflecting the proprietary and financial entitlements of all contributors, was concluded and signed by all relevant stakeholders prior to the commercial release of the sole.
4. The Split sheet imposes a clear obligation of equitable and timeous distribution of revenues amongst all rights holders. Such obligation has, regrettably, been allegedly breached. In consequence thereof, the dispute has been escalated to us, with instructions to pursue all remedies available at law to secure compliance with the governing agreements and to recover all amounts lawfully due to them.
5. Our clients have, in good faith, engaged the dispute resolution mechanisms available through SAMRO and await the allocation of a mediation date. Should such process not yield a satisfactory resolution, our clients shall, without further notice, institute formal legal proceedings to enforce their rights, recover all outstanding sums, and claim any ancillary relief deemed appropriate, including but not limited to costs and interest.
6. All rights of our clients, in law and otherwise, are hereby strictly reserved.”

Cici’s statement shows that she is fully committed to ensuring that her rights as an artist are respected. The legal team emphasised that the signed split sheet clearly outlines the distribution of royalties, meaning the alleged non-payment is a breach of contract.

By releasing this official statement, Cici has made it clear that she will take every necessary step, from mediation through SAMRO to formal legal action, to recover what is legally owed to her.