A Hit Song With Millions of Streams
Released in 2023, Hamba Juba quickly became a viral Amapiano anthem, credited to Murumba Pitch and Lady Amar featuring JL SA and Cici. The track has amassed tens of millions of streams on Spotify and millions more views on YouTube, making it one of the standout amapiano songs of the year.
Artists Claim They Haven’t Been Paid
Despite the song’s huge commercial success, several of the credited contributors say they have not received a cent in royalties.
- JL SA, the producer behind the beat, revealed that he was never paid and never given a contract.
- Lady Amar, who performed on the song, confirmed she too has received nothing, addressing fans directly in a social media video.
- Cici’s camp (House of Thomm) stated that neither Cici nor the label, which claims 50% ownership of the master recording, have been paid.
House of Thomm Brings in Lawyers
According to House of Thomm, a split sheet was signed confirming its 50% ownership of the master. However, with no royalties flowing, the company has now referred the matter to its legal representatives, signalling a move toward formal legal action.
Fans Demand Answers From Murumba Pitch
Public attention has turned toward Murumba Pitch, who is also credited on the track. Fans online have demanded explanations as to why other contributors haven’t been compensated, though the duo has not made a detailed public statement on the financial disputes.
How Royalties Should Flow
In South Africa, music royalties are distributed through different channels:
- SAMRO pays out performing rights to composers and publishers.
- CAPASSO collects mechanical royalties from streaming services.
- SAMPRA handles neighbouring rights for performers and master owners.
If metadata is entered incorrectly, if contributors aren’t registered, or if labels withhold payouts, money can go missing — a common problem in fast-growing genres like Amapiano.
A Bigger Problem in the Industry
The Hamba Juba case is not isolated. South African music, especially in the amapiano space, has seen repeated disputes over contracts, metadata, and missing royalties. Critics argue that the lack of transparency and contract literacy leaves many artists vulnerable to exploitation.
What Happens Next
With lawyers now involved and growing public pressure, the fate of the Hamba Juba royalties may be decided in the courtroom. For now, the artists who helped make one of amapiano’s biggest hits are still waiting to see the financial rewards of their work.
