South African global superstar Tyla has officially emerged victorious from a legal cloud that threatened her breakout hit, “Water.” In a significant win for the Grammy winner, the royalty lawsuit filed against her has been voluntarily dropped, clearing her name and her earnings from any further claims.
The resolution comes just as Tyla prepares for her 2026 world tour, ensuring that her focus remains on the stage rather than the courtroom.
The Legal Breakdown: Why the Case Failed
The lawsuit, which originated from claims by composers Olmo Zucca and Jackson LoMastro, alleged that Tyla and her team had unfairly excluded them from “master recording points.” Had they won, the pair would have been entitled to a share of recording royalties in addition to their existing publishing credits.
Key developments in the dismissal:
- Claims Withdrawn: On February 5, 2026, Zucca and LoMastro voluntarily withdrew their lawsuit against the singer.
- Baseless Allegations: Insiders close to the case revealed that the claims were “abandoned” once it became evident they lacked legal standing.
- Zero Settlement: Crucially, sources confirm that neither Tyla nor Sony Music Entertainment paid a cent in settlement fees. The case was dropped simply because it was deemed “baseless.”
- Sammy SoSo Remains: While Tyla and Sony have been fully cleared, the song’s producer, Sammy SoSo, is reportedly the only party still facing remaining legal inquiries, though the case against him is also expected to weaken following these developments.
The Legacy of Water
Released in 2023, “Water” didn’t just top charts; it redefined African music’s place in the global pop landscape. The dismissal of this lawsuit ensures that Tyla’s ownership and creative integrity over her most successful work to date remain intact.
“This isn’t just a legal win; it’s a message to the industry that Tyla’s business is as solid as her talent,” says an industry analyst.
