A brewing dispute has emerged over the unreleased song Emva Kwendlu, a collaboration between the late South African music icon Zahara, whose real name was Bulelwa Mtukutwana, and rising star Csana, born Nonguquko Mlaza. Reported by ZiMoja, the song recorded early in 2023 by the two Eastern Cape natives, has become the center of a heated conflict following Zahara’s passing in December.
Csana’s management team had planned to release the song on Friday, August 30, but ran into a significant roadblock: they had not secured permission from Zahara’s management team. Zahara’s sisters, Bandezwa and Lumka, along with her management, have stood firm in their decision to withhold approval for the song’s release. According to ZiMoja, their stance is based on the fact that Zahara left no instructions regarding her unreleased music. “She wants to know how much they stand to receive from the song,” a source close to the situation explained, emphasising that Bandezwa’s concerns are largely financial.
Those who have heard the finished track are convinced that Emva Kwendlu could be a massive hit this festive season. According to the source, the song was recorded while Zahara and Csana were simply spending time together as friends back home. Both hailing from the Eastern Cape, with Csana from Port St. Johns and Zahara from East London, the duo never initially intended to release the track. “At some point, they spoke about releasing the song but when Zahara became sick, the project was abandoned. It was going to be unfair for Csana to release the song while Zahara was lying in her hospital bed,” the source revealed.
There is also tension between Zahara’s manager, Oyama Dyosiba, and Csana’s team, as Dyosiba feels sidelined in the decision-making process. “How come we were never consulted about this song? We don’t even know what it sounds like; what if we don’t like it?” Dyosiba questioned, expressing his frustration. He acknowledged that Csana had reached out to collaborate with Zahara, noting that she “has always been a fan and groupie of Zahara,” but insisted that proper procedures must be followed before releasing the song.
In response to the growing controversy, Csana’s publicist and brand manager, Thanduxolo Jindela, announced that they have decided to delay the song’s release as the situation is now in the hands of their legal team. “We apologise to Csana’s fans,” Jindela said, indicating that the release is on hold until a resolution is reached.
