Music

Tyla Cleared in Her ‘Water’ Royalty Lawsuit

Published

4 weeks 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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Music

Kelvin Momo Set to Host “One Man Concert” in Durban

Published

2 weeks ago

21 February 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo: Instagram

Kelvin Momo, born Thato Kelvin Ledwaba, will host a major live performance in Durban as he prepares to headline the “One Man Concert” in 2026. The event is scheduled for Sunday 5 April 2026 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium People’s Park.

The One Man Concert show celebrates top artists around the world. It is an event where musicians connect with their fans .

Kelvin Momo has described the Durban show as a special moment. He believes the city’s love for music makes it a suitable location for the event.

Kelvin momo: Tsquare Production

“Durban has always shown me love. The energy is good, and people truly connect with the music. Bringing this experience to the city…,” shares Momo, expressing his excitement about the upcoming concert.

His sound is a signature Amapiano style known as Private School Piano. Music platforms report that he attracts millions of monthly listeners and has achieved hundreds of millions of streams across digital services.

The concert is presented in partnership with Durban Tourism and Don Julio. Fans reacted strongly on social media after the announcement. One of them on X, BIGSAM said,

Kelvin momo: Instagram

“Kelvin Momo doing a OneManShow in Durban is diabolical.”

Another fan reacted,

“Kelvin momo phase 2 tickets are sold out again .Mind you they got released at midnight yessssss Durban is showing up,love it “

Tickets are available on Ticketmaster in February 2026. There are also multiple ticket options available, including general access and VIP packages.

Music

Tems Launches South Africa Edition of Leading Vibe Initiative

Published

3 weeks ago

20 February 2026

Tega Ekeri

Tems - Instagram

Tems has announced the South African edition of her Leading Vibe Initiative (LVI), a programme supporting emerging women in music. The event is scheduled for 21 March 2026, with applications closing at the end of February.

The initiative was first launched in Lagos in August 2025, where it worked with Nigerian producers and songwriters. A second edition followed in Nairobi. South Africa is now the next host country as the programme expands its reach across the continent.

Photo Credit – Instagram

The South African edition is open to female artists, songwriters and producers aged between 18 and 35. Participants will take part in workshops, mentorship sessions and networking opportunities focused on songwriting, music production and the business side of the industry.

Sessions will cover production processes, songwriting development and music business fundamentals. Technology company Native Instruments will provide production hardware and software during the programme.

Tems – Instagram

Women remain underrepresented in music production and executive roles globally, including in Africa. The initiative is designed to offer practical training and industry access to help address this imbalance.

Tems has previously spoken about building her career without formal mentorship, learning the technical and business aspects of music independently. She has described the initiative as an extension of that experience, aimed at giving other women access to structured support and professional networks.

Tems – Instagram

The programme is backed by Hennessy, which has supported previous editions.

South Africa’s music industry spans genres including amapiano, hip-hop, jazz and R&B, with women increasingly visible as performers. However, production and executive spaces remain less accessible. The Leading Vibe Initiative’s local edition is expected to focus on strengthening skills and expanding industry connections for participants.

Applications are currently open ahead of the March event.

Music

Cardi B Brings Out Tyla for “Nice Guy” at the Little Miss Drama Tour in LA

Published

3 weeks ago

19 February 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo : Instagram

At the Little Miss Drama Tour stop in Los Angeles, Cardi B brought out South African star Tyla to perform their collaboration Nice Guy. Fans recorded the performance on their phone.

The appearance was the first time both artists performed Nice Guy together live. The song featured on Cardi’s sophomore album Am I the Drama. Cardi praised Tyla and hyped her up to the audience. After finishing Nice Guy, Tyla stayed on stage to perform her own hit Chanel.

Cardi B and Tyla : Instagram

The production features multiple costumes, and a setlist that included her well-known songs. The Los Angeles show featured surprise guest appearances, including Tyla, Kehlani, Blueface, and GloRilla. Asides Tyla, Cardi also invited Blueface, Kehlani and GloRilla to join her during the stop.

Tyla has steadily built international momentum. Tyla’s appearance puts African pop on a major United States arena show.

Cardi B : Instagram

Following the surprise performance, Cardi took to Instagram stories to appreciate her collaborators.

“Kehlani!! You’re such a beautiful soul, a talented artist and an amazing performer!! Your reaction to my show meant the world to me! I can’t thank you enough for always showing up and giving me the most genuine love and support!!!” Cardi began.

For Tyla, Cardi wrote,

““Tyla babyyyy!! You bring the perfect energy to any stage. Thank you so much for bringing it to me! Soo pretty and so talented… you deserve all the Chanel and more.”