Grammy-winning singer Nomcebo Zikode has been dealt another legal setback in her battle with Open Mic Productions over royalties for the global hit Jerusalema. On July 24, 2025, the Pretoria High Court dismissed her application for leave to appeal, ordering her to pay additional legal costs.
The ruling upholds a May decision that required Zikode to fulfill her contract by completing two more albums before termination and pay R1.5 million in legal fees to the label. Judge Graham Moshoana stated her appeal had “no reasonable prospects of success.”
Zikode, who claims she has not received fair compensation for her vocals on Jerusalema, called the judgment “deeply troubling” but vowed to keep fighting for artist rights. Her legal team is exploring further appeals.
Open Mic Productions defended its position, with managing director Lionel Jamela asserting the label had “invested heavily” in Zikode and accusing her of overreaching in her claims to the song.
The case has ignited social media debates about exploitative contracts in the music industry. Despite the court loss, Zikode remains determined to continue her career, telling fans: “This fight isn’t just about me—it’s about fairness for all artists.”
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between creatives and labels in South Africa’s entertainment industry, with many artists rallying behind Zikode as her legal battle enters its next phase.