The global success of Tyla’s Grammy-winning hit “Water” has now sparked a high-stakes legal battle, with producers Olmo Zucca and Jackson LoMastro filing a lawsuit in California against the South African star, producer Sammy Soso (Samuel Awuku), and Sony Music over alleged royalty withholding and credit disputes.
The lawsuit claims Zucca and LoMastro were sidelined as co-writers despite their substantial contributions during the March 2023 Los Angeles recording session that birthed the viral amapiano-pop fusion. According to the filing, the producers were initially promised equal splits under industry standards (12.5% each of publishing royalties) alongside collaborators Rayo and Awuku. However, they allege Awuku later redistributed shares unevenly—taking 15% for himself while reducing their cuts to 10% and allocating just 5% to co-producer Tricky Stewart.
Key Allegations:
- The plaintiffs assert they were not hired session musicians but creative collaborators entitled to royalties
- Awuku allegedly took sole production credit and negotiated separate deals without their knowledge
- Attempts to resolve the dispute before the song’s 2023 release were reportedly ignored
With “Water” surpassing 1 billion Spotify streams and making history as the first winner of the Grammy for Best African Music Performance, the financial implications are substantial. Zucca and LoMastro seek:
✅ 12.5% publishing royalties retroactively
✅ Master recording/SoundExchange royalties
✅ Producer fees and formal credit correction
✅ Compensation for damaged reputations and lost career opportunities
Legal experts note the case could set precedents for international collaborations in Africa’s booming music industry. “This highlights the importance of clear contracts, especially when cross-border creatives work on breakout hits,” said entertainment attorney Dana Harris.
Neither Tyla’s team nor Sony Music has publicly responded. Meanwhile, Awuku—who has produced for Ayra Starr and other Afrobeats stars—faces scrutiny over his royalty structures.
As the lawsuit unfolds, the industry watches whether an out-of-court settlement will emerge or if a courtroom battle will redefine credit protocols for global Afro-pop anthems.
