Music

Tyla Cleared in Her ‘Water’ Royalty Lawsuit

Published

4 months 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

Tyla’s “Chanel” Earns Two Nominations at the 2026 BET Awards

Published

4 days ago

21 May 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo: Instagram

Tyla’s hit single Chanel secured two major nominations at the 2026 BET Awards. The track was nominated in the m competitive “Video of the Year” and “Viewer’s Choice” categories. This places Tyla alongside some of the biggest names in international music.

According to the official BET Awards nominations list, “Chanel” will compete against videos from artists including Doechii, Ella Mai, Kehlani, Teyana Taylor, and the collaboration “Luther” by SZA and Kendrick Lamar in the Video of the Year category.

Photo: Instagram

Released in October 2025, “Chanel” quickly became one of Tyla’s biggest songs to date. The single became popular on TikTok through a viral dance challenge that spread across several countries. The song performed well on Spotify and Apple music debuting simultaneously at number one on both the US and UK Afrobeats charts.

The music video for “Chanel” also became a major talking point in fashion circles. Styled by Tyla’s longtime collaborator Ron Hartleben, the visual featured archival pieces from the luxury fashion house Chanel, including designs from the Karl Lagerfeld era. Among the standout items were the iconic white Chanel hula hoop bag from the brand’s 2013 Spring/Summer collection and vintage accessories previously worn by supermodels Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington.

Hartleben revealed in an interview with Vogue that getting the pieces was difficult and expensive.

“The rental costs for these things are astronomical,” he said, adding that many collectors trusted the team with “museum-quality pieces”.

“She’s wearing these belts that are each like $20,000 (over R16,000) at full retail,” he revealed. “I did have to sign my life away in case things broke. But nothing broke!”

“Chanel” has strengthened Tyla’s growing international presence. The track was number 94 on Billboard Hot 100 , becoming her third solo entry on the chart after “Water” and “Push 2 Start. In April 2026, the single earned Gold certification in the United States from the Recording Industry Association of America.

Photo: Instagram

The BET recognition adds to an already successful year for Tyla. Earlier in 2026, she received four nominations at the American Music Awards, including Best Music Video and Social Song of the Year for “Chanel.”

The 2026 BET Awards ceremony will take place on June 28 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. It will be hosted by comedian Druski.

Music

Man Sentenced to Two Years for Stealing Unreleased Beyoncé Music

Published

2 weeks ago

14 May 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo: Instagram

A Georgia man was sentenced to five years, with two years to be served in prison for stealing hard drives, laptops and other electronic devices containing unreleased Beyoncé music and confidential tour material. The items were taken during preparations for her Cowboy Carter tour in Atlanta.

The man, identified as Kelvin Evans, accepted a plea deal in Fulton County Superior Court. He was sentenced by Judge Jane Barwick to five years. Two of these will be spent in prison, while the remaining will be on probation. The judge ordered him to stay away from the victims and the theft location.

Photo: TMZ

The incident happened in July 2025, two days before Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter shows in Atlanta. According to investigators, Evans broke into a rented Jeep Wagoneer used by Beyoncé’s choreographer Christopher Grant and dancer Diandre Blue.

Police reports revealed that the hard drives contained data connected to the Cowboy Carter tour. Laptops and Apple AirPods Max headphones were also taken.

Some of the stolen items were located using Apple’s “Find My” tracking system. Investigators linked Evans to the crime through surveillance systems. A Hyundai Elantra was used and the stolen items were kept at an apartment associated with his sister. Evans was arrested weeks later in September.

Photo: Instagram

Despite Evans’ arrest, the authorities have not found the stolen items. Prosecutors also confirmed that none of the stolen materials have been recovered. There is no indication that any of the unreleased Beyoncé songs have leaked online.

Music

Masego, Bryson Tiller and DJ Mustard are set to Headline The Ascots at the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban

Published

3 weeks ago

5 May 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo: Instagram

The 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July has announced that Masego, Bryson Tiller, and DJ Mustard as headliners of a new hospitality and music experience called The Ascots. The event is set for 4 July 2026 at the Greyville Racecourse in Durban.

This is the first time these three international acts will share one stage in South Africa under a single event concept. Bryson Tiller, known for tracks like “Don’t” and “Exchange,” has a strong local fan base. Masego has performed in South Africa 4 times, including at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

Photo: Instagram

The Ascots is a premium hospitality and music experience inside the Durban July. The event is planned by Aline Media Group and founded by music executive Sibo Mhlungu. He says the intention of the event is more than just a show.

“The focus is on the full experience, from arrival to the final act. As someone born and bred in Durban, this is more than just an event to me, it’s a way to uplift and contribute to my hometown. For years, Durban has been treated as a secondary market for large-scale shows and has rarely been considered a destination for international artists or events of this scale,” he said.

Photo: Instagram

Entry level access includes racecourse entry, access to performances, and a champagne brunch. Higher tiers offer private lounges, dedicated service staff, and VIP areas. The most expensive package includes a private marquee setup with dedicated services.The music lineup includes South African acts such as Shekhinah, Elaine, and Tresor.

Durban July is centered on horse racing and fashion, but the addition of a music festival inside the event shows the focus is on creating entertainment that can attract top stars like Masego, Bryson Tiller, and DJ Mustard.