ACTOR and songwriter Zithulele Khwela has claimed that Umkhokha: The Curse stole his songs.
Among the songs allegedly used without his permission is the award-winning Mkhululi wezoni, used as the opening song for all episodes of the first and second seasons.
"I was part of the first season one as an extra. The executive producers also asked to use my music. I agreed on the condition that I would be paid for my music. They gave me a contract, but I never signed it because I wasn't happy withit contract. But my music was used," Zithulele said.
Daily Sun has seen the unsigned contract between Zithulele and Duma KaNdlovu's company, Rhythm World Music.
When the second season was announced, Zithulele thought they were going to wrap up the deal.
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"Unfortunately, we could not reach an agreement with the executive producer and I was no longer part of season two. Later we had a meeting with Duma kaNdlovu, who is now an executive producer. I was told in that meeting that my music was not needed. Duma said he had his own composers and therefore they would use their own music for season 2. I was fine with that because I never signed the contract with them. Also, I never gave them permission to use my songs," Zithulele alleged.
But to Zithulele's shock, on Monday, 6 March, he claimed Umkhokha:The Curse had used almost all of his songs.
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"They played six of my songs including Mondliwa, Mntanami, Okoniwa ngomlomo, Mkhululi wezoni, Ngisize Mvelinqangi, and Umendo. On Tuesday, 7 March they played Mondliwa, Mkhululi wezoni, and Mntanami. On Wednesday, 8 March, they played Uqobolwethu and Mkhululi wezoni. On Thursday, 9 March they played Mkhululi wezoni and Ngisize Mvelinqangi.
"Duma had no right to use my songs because I never gave him permission to do so. I never signed a contract with him, but he used my music," said angry Zithulele.
He said he was upset and wanted to know why his music was being used without his permission.
When Daily Sun called Duma for a comment, but he did not answer his phone.
Mzansi Magic confirmed that Zithulele is no longer part of Umkhokha:The Curse, but refused to give details.
In their response, they said: "This is a contract discussion discussion between Mr. KaNozulu, Zithulele Khwela, the Lamontville Cultural Ensemble and the production house. We hope they resolve it amicably."
