In a heated exchange that has captivated the South African music scene, singer Titi Luzipo has vehemently denied allegations of fraud made by fellow musician and collaborator, Simphiwe Dana. Reported by Sowetan LIVE, the dispute centers around claims that Luzipo used Dana’s name and email address without consent to apply for the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture’s Covid-19 relief grant.
The controversy erupted when Dana took to Facebook last weekend, accusing Luzipo of exploiting her. “Gayton [McKenzie] refusing to apologise for accusing me of taking 20k from artists who really needed it is annoying me to no end. I don’t know why Titi put my name in her application and I’m thinking of taking it further,” Dana posted. She further alleged that the grant application came from her email, which, if true, constitutes fraud.
Dana’s social media posts were filled with frustration as she sought answers and clarity on how her email became involved. “My reputation is at stake at this point. I only need them to tell me how my email got involved in it,” she wrote, emphasising the hardships artists faced during the pandemic.
Despite multiple attempts by Sowetan to reach Dana for comment, she had not responded at the time of publication.
In a detailed statement issued to Sowetan, Luzipo categorically dismissed Dana’s allegations as “false, unsubstantiated, and defamatory.” Luzipo explained her role as Dana’s music director since 2018 and her own struggles during the pandemic, which led to her applying for the relief grant.
“These claims are not only absurd but malicious and published with the sole purpose of impairing my dignity and brand,” Luzipo wrote. She clarified that she mentioned her work with Dana in the grant application only as part of her work history, with Dana’s consent, and did not use Dana’s email for the application.
Luzipo suggested that Dana’s anger should be directed at the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture, as other artists have also complained about being erroneously listed. “Ms. Dana could have explored legal remedies against DSAC, but she chose to direct her fury at me. This is not surprising given that she had texted me before her social media crusade and threatened to weaponize her social media following against me, which she has now successfully done,” Luzipo stated.
Adding fuel to the fire, Dana made another allegation on social media regarding an unreleased project referred to as Moya. Dana hinted at a business disagreement without mentioning Luzipo by name. “I’m just tired of this person. I guess Moya will never see the light of day because I’m done dealing with her,” Dana wrote. She expressed frustration over being held “at ransom” and vowed to produce new music independently.
Luzipo responded by stating that the Moya matter was under negotiation between their legal teams. “The negotiations were at an advanced stage; however, Ms. Dana decided to discuss the negotiation points in public without any context, in an effort to shame me. This happened after the [relief grant] list was published,” Luzipo explained.
As the dispute escalates, Luzipo has threatened legal action against Dana for the damage caused to her reputation. The resolution of this conflict remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly left a significant mark on both musicians’ careers.
