Charmza the DJ

Charmza the DJ claims that Master KG did not contribute any creative input to the hit track ‘Jerusalema’. Image via Twitter @PhilMphela

Charmza claims Master KG ‘was not in studio’ during ‘Jerusalema’ creation

In a legal statement, Charmza the DJ claims Master KG was not present for the ‘majority of time’ when ‘Jerusalema’ was produced.

Charmza the DJ

Charmza the DJ claims that Master KG did not contribute any creative input to the hit track ‘Jerusalema’. Image via Twitter @PhilMphela

Jerusalema is the song that saw Limpopo-born musician Master KG shoot to extraordinary heights. Unfortunately for him, it seems everything might come crashing down. In a statement, composer and producer Ntimela Chris Chauke aka Charmza the DJ alleges that the copyright of the hit song belongs to him.

Charmza the DJ also claims that Master KG did not contribute any creative input and was not in the studio when the song was recorded and arranged. 

ALSO READ: Nomcebo clears air on ‘problems’ with Master KG after ‘Jerusalema’ saga

CHARMZA THE DJ’S VERSION OF THE STORY

In a statement released through Adams & Adams on Wednesday 17 November, Charmza the DJ claims that he was invited by Master KG to his studio in Midrand to produce a track for Nomcebo Zikode on 19 August 2019.

While at the studio, Charmza claims to have “originated, authored, composed and produced” the original music for Jerusalema. 

“Master KG did not contribute any creative input to the composition and was not present in the studio at the time that the vocals were recorded and arranged and for the majority of the time when the song was produced,” reads the statement. 

“Our client returned to his home in Limpopo and expected that if Master KG decided to commercially release the song, that he would be credited as the producer and that Master KG would first negotiate appropriate rights clearances with our client as the copyright owner of the composition before any commercial release of the song occurs.” 

‘JERSALEMA’ REPORTEDLY INCLUDES SAMPLE

Charmza further alleges that he incorporated a sample of a song owned by artist Lebogang Ledwaba aka Biblos. Charmza alleges he added the sample 114 times.

“As Master KG simply released the Jerusalema song commercially without obtaining any rights clearances from Charmza the DJ, there was never an opportunity for Biblos’ rights clearance in the sample also to be discussed and negotiated with Biblos.”

“As an experienced and renowned music producer and artist would have had full knowledge at the time that he elected to commercially release the Jerusalema song, that he first needed to secure appropriate rights clearances from all the copyright owners of the musical compositions.”

ALSO READ: Summer Loving: Makhadzi and Master KG look ‘loved up’ in studio [watch]

CHARMZA THE DJ’S DEMANDS

In the statement, Adams & Adams instructs Master KG to issue a public apology to Charmza the DJ and credit him as the producer of the song. Master KG is also required to take the “necessary steps” to prevent further infringement on Charmza the DJ’s rights.

Master KG is also instructed to disclose all the financial information around Jerusalema and to “pay over” Charmza and Biblos’ share of the income from the song. 

“Such compensation, considering that our clients own the full rights of copyright in the music of the infringing song, would amount to 50% of all income generated from the commercialisation of the infringing song, as well as 50% of all future profits.”

Master KG is further instructed to record Charmza’s copyright ownership in the composition and recording with collecting societies. 

This must all be done within seven days of receiving the statement.