His family buried his late brother Jimmy Chauke who was shot three times in the head by intruders who came looking for him but instead found his sibling and father. He could not attend his brother's funeral, due to fearing for his life. DJ Charmza, real name Chris Chauke who claims to be the creator and originator of the award-winning song Jerusalema by Master KG featuring Nomcebo Zikode has confirmed that after many consultations with his legal team, the matter is now ready to be heard by the court.
GOING TO COURT
The matter between Master KG, Open Mic Production, and Africori Charmza the DJ, and Biblos will go on trial from 17 November 2025 until 25 November 2025, and a further period may be set. The Limpopo DJ served the three defendants with a lawsuit for copyright infringement for the song from the Pretoria High Court in June 2022. According to documents seen by ZiMja, DJ Charmza intends to call three witnesses, a first and second defendant to the stand. "The third defendant indicated that it would discuss the matter with the first and second defendants before indicating how many witnesses to call."
AN INFRINGEMENT
DJ Charmza tells ZiMoja that he is currently in hiding and fears for his life. "No one can know my whereabouts until the matter is settled. This is a big case worth over R100 million, " he said. "I want justice and to prove that I made the song and deserve as much right to also be credited and enjoy the fruits of my labour."
THE MAKING
Charmza says he and Nomcebo were invited for a studio session by Master KG who not present at the time they conceptualised and made Jerusalema. "The song was a collaborative effort. I composed the song, and Nomcebo wrote the lyrics," he said. "There were no contracts or agreements, but I expected to be credited and paid like everyone else. But let us see what the court says." Nomcebo's manager and husband Selwyn Fraser declined to comment further. Open Mic co-founder Lionel Jamela said, "The law must take its course. Let the truth come out then if he made the song. I can't comment."
