The Amapiano industry is witnessing a high-stakes legal confrontation as two of its most prominent figures, Kelvin Momo and Kabza De Small, head to court over a massive royalties dispute. The conflict, which centers on a celebrated collaboration released six years ago under the Piano Hub banner, has escalated with the addition of vocalist Babalwa M to the fray.
What was once a cornerstone of the “Private School” Amapiano movement has now transformed into a R1 million legal battle currently unfolding in the Johannesburg High Court.
The Core of the Conflict: Broken Agreements?
At the heart of the lawsuit are allegations by Kelvin Momo (Thato Ledwaba) regarding unpaid compensation and failed contractual obligations.
- The Claim: Momo alleges he is owed a significant sum in royalties that were supposed to be paid out every six months.
- The Disparity: While Momo reportedly received approximately R86,000 in 2021, he maintains that this figure is only a fraction of his true entitlement, leading to the R1 million demand.
- Kabza’s Stance: Kabza De Small (Kabelo Motha) has reportedly disputed the claims, denying that any royalties are outstanding.
Babalwa M Enters the Dispute
The legal drama has deepened as singer Babalwa M has also stepped forward to claim her share of the earnings for her vocal contributions to the project.
However, reports suggest that Kabza De Small has challenged her entitlement to a payout, allegedly arguing that no formal agreement existed between himself and the vocalist at the time of the recording. This highlights a recurring issue in the industry regarding the formalization of “session” contributions versus featured artist rights.
From the Studio to the High Court
The fallout marks a somber turn for a partnership that helped define the sound of modern Amapiano.
- The Project: Originally released on Momo’s Private School, the body of work was a critical and commercial success.
- Financial Oversight: Concerns have been raised regarding how funds were handled through various business channels and the transparency of the reporting process.
As the Johannesburg High Court prepares to deliberate on the matter, the outcome could set a major precedent for royalty distribution and contractual standards within the South African electronic music scene.
