Music

Tyla Cleared in Her ‘Water’ Royalty Lawsuit

Published

16 hours ago

9 February 2026

Tyla - Instagram

South African singer Tyla has been cleared of liability in the royalty lawsuit connected to her global hit Water, closing a legal dispute that followed the song’s commercial success and raised questions about credit and compensation behind the record.

The case was originally filed by two contributors who argued they were not properly credited as producers and were denied a fuller share of royalties tied to the master recording. While they were listed as co-writers, the plaintiffs claimed their role in shaping the final track extended beyond songwriting and should have been recognised at a higher production level, which carries greater financial participation. The lawsuit drew attention because Water had already become a chart fixture, a streaming heavyweight and a Grammy-winning record by the time the complaint surfaced, increasing the financial stakes for everyone involved.

Tyla – Instagram

In early February 2026, the plaintiffs voluntarily withdrew their claims against Tyla. Court filings confirmed she was removed from the complaint without a settlement payment or admission of wrongdoing. Her label was also cleared. The withdrawal effectively ends her involvement in the dispute and removes the risk that her signature hit could become entangled in a prolonged legal battle over ownership and royalties.

Industry observers note that cases like this are less about public controversy and more about how modern pop production works. Songs often pass through multiple studios, writers and producers before release. Credits can become contested when a record exceeds expectations and its long-term revenue becomes clearer. Water became a major commercial hit, dominating dance challenges, radio rotations and international playlists. That scale of success can magnify contractual disagreements.

Tyla – Instagram

For Tyla, the dismissal matters for her public image as well as finances. She is still in the early phase of a global career, and Water serves as her introduction to mainstream audiences outside Southern Africa. Any lingering legal uncertainty around the track could have complicated licensing, sync deals and future negotiations tied to her catalogue. With the claims against her dropped, the song remains fully usable as a key part of her catalogue and live performances.

The dispute also underlines how fast emerging artists can find themselves handling complex legal issues once a breakout hit arrives. Contracts signed during early sessions are often written before anyone expects a record to cross borders or win major awards. When it does, contributors may reassess whether those agreements reflect the revenue the song generates. Music lawyers say the lesson is not that disputes are inevitable, but that documentation and clarity at the start of a project are becoming as important as the creative process itself.

Tyla – Instagram

Tyla has not made an extended public statement about the withdrawal, and her team has largely treated the development as a procedural resolution rather than a public celebration. Her recent focus has remained on performances, new releases and growth in international markets. With the legal distraction removed, attention returns to the question that mattered before the lawsuit surfaced: how she follows a debut hit that expanded international attention toward African pop.

The end of the case does not erase the broader conversation it triggered about credits, royalties and the uncredited work behind pop production. It does, however, close a chapter that could have overshadowed a major moment in her career. For now, Water returns to being what listeners always experienced it as, a record that achieved international success without ongoing legal disputes.

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DJ Warras Murder Case: Second Suspect Now in Custody

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Music

DJ Warras Murder Case: Second Suspect Now in Custody

Published

1 week ago

31 January 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo: Getty Images

South African police have confirmed the arrest of a second suspect in the murder case of Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock, marking another key development in an investigation that has drawn national attention. Authorities made the arrest in late January 2026 following a coordinated intelligence led operation in Gauteng.

DJ Warras was shot on 16 December 2025 in Johannesburg’s central business district. The shooting occurred Carlton Centre in Johannesburg. Law enforcement officers launched a murder investigation and secured the area.

DJ Warras : Instagram

Police confirmed that the second suspect, a 25 year-old Mozambican national, was arrested in the Marathon informal settlement in Primrose, within the Ekurhuleni metropolitan area. Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed the suspect remains in custody and is expected to appear in court on 2 February 2026.

The second arrest comes after the detention of Victor Mthethwa Majola, a 44-year-old taxi owner from Soweto. Majola was charged with murder, premeditated murder, and conspiracy to commit murder.

First Suspect: Getty images

The specific roles played by either suspect about the killing have not been publicly mentioned yet. Investigators have not confirmed whether additional suspects remain at large. Authorities continue to examine forensic evidence and analyze surveillance material.

Law enforcement officials confirm the case remains active. They also hinted that further arrests are possible. The National Prosecuting Authority said evidence against the accused will be presented in court.

Music

How Bravo Le Roux’s Death Leaves a Mark on South Africa’s Music Industry

Published

2 weeks ago

27 January 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo:Instagram

Bravo Le Roux, born Sinesipho Peter, passed away on January 22, 2026. He was 30 years old. His family confirmed his passing, describing it as a massive loss. His death came as a shock to many people in South Africa’s music industry.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture said his passing was a huge blow to the industry. Officials said that Bravo Le Roux represented a generation of artists who knew their craft.

Bravo Le Roux: Instagram

The Southern African Music Rights Organisation describes him as an inspiration to young musicians. They highlighted how his career encouraged upcoming artists to believe in their voices. Many rappers believe his journey gave them the confidence to tell their own stories.

Artists across South Africa felt it as this came weeks after the loss of DJ Warras. Fellow musicians shared tributes describing him as supportive and humble. Some spoke about how he helped others in the studio and offered advice without ego. His absence leaves a gap in both sound and community.

Bravo Le Roux: Instagram

Bravo Le Roux combined Xhosa lyrics with modern hip hop. He often mixed street language with personal storytelling, making his songs relatable to many South Africans. His songs show everyday struggles, ambition, and pride.

His catalogue includes projects such as NdinguTa Bravo Kuwe, The Rise of Istrato, International Gubevu, and Igazi, Iinyembezi, and Nombilo. Some of his songs received huge radio play and industry recognition, including award nominations. No official reason has been given for his death.

Bravo Le Roux: Instagram

Bravo Le Roux helped shape the direction of contemporary South African hip hop. While his career ended early, his influence remains visible in the artists he inspired.

Music

Trevor Noah Returns as GRAMMY Host as Fela Kuti Makes History with Lifetime Achievement Award

Published

4 weeks ago

15 January 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo: Getty Images

Trevor Noah will return as host of the 2026 GRAMMY Awards. This is his sixth time anchoring the event. The event will take place on February 1 and the venue is Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Noah first hosted the GRAMMY Awards in 2021 and has since made five straight appearances. In addition to its performances hosting, Noah serves as an executive producer for the event. He has made his mark in the entertainment industry and remains one of the influential figures around.

Trevor Noah: New York Times

The GRAMMY Awards celebrate achievements of musicians across all genres. There will be live performances from top artists and award presentations. This is an excellent award that will definitely live up to expectations.

Alongside Trevor Noah’s return, the 2026 GRAMMYs will also recognise African music. Nigerian music icon Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African artist to get it. The award recognizes artists whose contributions have had a significant influence on music and culture.

Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti: Punch

Fela Kuti was an Afrobeat legend, who used his voice to pass messages about social justice, political freedom, and African identity. Kuti’s work challenges authority and encourages awareness. His influence continues to be felt long after his passing.