Renowned South African musician Caiphus Semenya has recently come forward to clear his name following rumours of royalty dispute rumours. The rumours, which had circulated on social media and in the music industry, alleged that Semenya was claiming royalties for a song AKA sampled without proper authorization. However, Semenya has vehemently denied these claims and has taken steps to set the record straight.
In response to the claims, Semenya sat down for an interview with Nkululeko on Culture clarifying the situation. He stated that people need to respect the dead and also be mindful of the Forbes mourning family.
Semenya said that all the negotiations that have to do with his music are done by his music publishers and he has never negotiated a song. “I established Semenya Music when I was 32 years old John Levy helped me to put my publishing together. Since then I have never, not once negotiated a song. The publisher does that, that’s their job,” he said
Ntate Caiphus Semenya blasts Sunday World's Ngwako Malatji for LYING that he's demanding 50% of royalties from AKA for sampling his songs without permission.😂😂🤡🤡
"He just runs and writes nonsense, it's rubbish." 😭https://t.co/USVwpdaYz6
Nadia Nhlanhla Lux Stage 1 Bonang pic.twitter.com/h05NOBb60a
— YaseBlock B 🇸🇿 (@ThisIsColbert) April 18, 2023
The legendary Jazz artist said he wouldn’t even think of putting that much shame on AKA’s name aftersuch an untimely tragedy. Semenya further stated that no amount of money could buy AKA’s life. Even though he appeared to be angry, he exuded love and Ubuntu.
Watch the full interview below:
Main image: South African