Zoë Modiga, BandaBanda and the “Thula” Dispute: What Happened

Zoë Modiga and producer Thembinkosi Banda, popularly known as BandaBanda, are at loggerheads. The disagreement is about the release of a new remix of “Thula”, a song originally released by BandaBanda featuring Modiga in June 2025.

The latest version, “Thula (Culoe De Song Remix)”, was released on September 4, 2026. It is credited to Culoe De Song and BandaBanda, featuring Zoë Modiga, and on streaming platforms.

Photo: Instagram/@BandaBandanow

Modiga said the release came out without her approval.

In a statement issued by her team, Modiga said she had no knowledge of the remix. 

““I want to make it clear that I had no prior knowledge of, involvement in, or approval of the release in question,” Modiga said.

“I was neither consulted about nor did I give my approval for the release,”

According to Modiga, the dispute is bigger than the song. She said there are unresolved questions involving the rights, ownership and commercial arrangements. 

Photo: Instagram/@BandaBandanow

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She instructed her legal representatives to address the matter. Modiga said she does not want the issue to become a public argument. 

BandaBanda has given a different account.

In his response, he said the original “Thula” was released on June 12, 2025, and was later re-recorded live in 2026 as part of his ISIKHATHI project. He said the music was shared with Modiga before the remix came out and that the communications form part of the documented record.

BandaBanda also said there had been attempts over several months to resolve outstanding matters. He claimed that meetings were arranged  and follow-ups were made. 

Photo: Instagram/@BandaBandanow

The dispute is serious because Modiga and BandaBanda have a long professional history. BandaBanda has been involved in Modiga’s music over the years, including her 2020 album Inganekwane. Their relationship was both a romantic and creative one. BandaBanda has described “Thula” as a song about peace and quietness. 

The two sides have placed very different versions of events on record. Modiga maintains that she did not approve the remix and has taken the matter to her legal representatives, while BandaBanda says there was communication and that attempts were made to resolve the wider professional issues.

The remix remains available on streaming services. But there are questions around approval, ownership, rights and commercial arrangements. Everyone is waiting for the courts to decide the case.