Singer and songwriter Bruce Leigh has accused Gqom sensation TDK Macassette of stealing her song.
The musician, whose real name is Luyanda Shelembe, claims TDK’s single Mashobana is a butchered version of her last year song, uQekeqe.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Luyanda’s manager, Tshepo Nhlabatse, said: “We were made aware of the copyright infringement late last year when TDK performed the song.“We looked it up on all social media digital platforms, but couldn’t find it until she recently dropped Mashobana, which is our song.
“She only changed the verses and the beat, but the chorus is the same as our song.”
Tshepo said when he approached TDK, whose real name is Thandeka Mkhwanazi, she asked him to send her an email, but never responded.“Last Friday, I called TDK and told her the song was infringing on our copyright.
She asked me to send her an email, but never responded.“She blocked my calls and blocked me on social media,” he claimed.
“Luyanda also tried calling her and they had a fight over the phone.
“She also blocked her.”
Tshepo said they spent a lot of time and money promoting their music.
“It’s devastating, especially because it’s a black person doing this to another black child while we’re trying to grow in an industry that’s already saturated.”
Tshepo told the People’s Paper they were planning to take legal action.“We’ll meet our lawyers and find out exactly how to deal with this situation.” he said.
Responding to the allegations, TDK Macassette said she recorded the song last year.
“The song was recorded in February 2019 and they released theirs in May, so mine was recorded and released way before theirs,” she said.
“I’ve been performing the song since last year and I work way too hard for someone to try and use my brand to promote a song that doesn’t sound the same in terms of lyrics, rhythm, or instrumentals.
“This year has been full of negativity and I wouldn’t say something I don’t have proof of.”
She added that if BruceLeigh felt disappointed that she says she took her song when the song doesn’t sound the same.