Legendary musician Yvonne Chaka Chaka, hailed as the "Princess of Africa," has recently disclosed that she received no credit or royalties for her significant contributions to the hit song "Umqombothi," which launched her international career.
"Umqombothi," released in 1987, is officially credited to composers Chicco Twala and Attie van Wyk. However, Chaka Chaka claims to have added substantial elements, including the distinctive "Nawu! Nawu! Madoda" refrain, without due compensation.
"Umqombothi was written by Chicco, but I added some elements to it... I have never received a cent from that project," Chaka Chaka lamented in an interview with Newzroom Africa.
Her resentment stems from feeling exploited as a young artist at the time: "They didn't credit me, and back then, I was young and clueless about the music industry."
Twala responded to Chaka Chaka's allegations, claiming that she earned significantly more from performing the song than he and van Wyk did as writers: "Me and Attie, as the writers of the song, didn't even make half a quarter of the money she made from that song."
Fans, however, express skepticism towards Twala's explanation and wonder why Chaka Chaka is only raising this issue now. One user on Twitter commented, "Why is she only talking about this now after so long?"
"Umqombothi," released in 1987, is officially credited to composers Chicco Twala and Attie van Wyk. However, Chaka Chaka claims to have added substantial elements, including the distinctive "Nawu! Nawu! Madoda" refrain, without due compensation.
"Umqombothi was written by Chicco, but I added some elements to it... I have never received a cent from that project," Chaka Chaka lamented in an interview with Newzroom Africa.
Her resentment stems from feeling exploited as a young artist at the time: "They didn't credit me, and back then, I was young and clueless about the music industry."
Twala responded to Chaka Chaka's allegations, claiming that she earned significantly more from performing the song than he and van Wyk did as writers: "Me and Attie, as the writers of the song, didn't even make half a quarter of the money she made from that song."
Fans, however, express skepticism towards Twala's explanation and wonder why Chaka Chaka is only raising this issue now. One user on Twitter commented, "Why is she only talking about this now after so long?"
