Award-winning producer, songwriter, and composer, Zithulele Khwela, is taking legal action against popular telenovela creators for failing to pay him. Khwela is the man behind the popular soundtrack, Mkhululi Wezoni, which forms part of the TV drama series, Umkhokha: The Curse.

COMPOSING THE MUSIC FOR THE SHOW

Khwela has come out guns blazing accusing the producers and creators of the drama series of using his music without paying him a cent. On Friday, he released his debut album, Mkhululi Wezoni with Zuz'Muzi Music - a label owned by music mogul and former actor, Tshepo "Zuz'Muzi" Nzimande. He has also enlisted the services of Nzimande to help him recoup his royalties from the producers of the popular TV series which was shot in Durban. 

FAILURE TO MEET HIS FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

Khwela, 40, who has a fiancée and children, told ZiMoja that some of his baby mamas didn't believe him when he told them that the producers of Umkhokha hadn't paid him royalties for his music. "They think I am rich because the show is popular and my music is forever being played there, I don't know why the producers are doing this to me after they promised me heaven and earth," he adds. Khwela, from Lamontville,township in Durban, said that he is happy that Nzimande took his case to challenge the producers of the TV drama series. He said when he wrote the song, Mkhululi Wezoni, he was in a dark space and the song was more personal and talked about his life. 

HE HAD TO USE HIS MONEY FOR THE CHOIR

He feels disappointed that his many songs used on the TV series, have not been recognised with payments. He recorded the songs with his group, Lamontville Cultural Ensemble, and used his money for studio time. But he feels betrayed and is being taken advantage of by the creators and procuders of Umkhokha: The Curse. "It is a sad thing that people know me as the man behind the popular song, yet I still lives like a pauper," he said,adding that, "The days of exploiting artists are over." The show's creator and executive producer Duma kaNdlovu said he does not address media and referred us to the channel, Mzansi Magic. CEO: General Entertainment at Multichoice, Nomsa Philiso, confirmed the drama citing that they are looking into it. "Yes, this has been brought to our attention as well. The legal teams are trying to find each other. It should be resolved shortly," she said.