They were once besties and sisters in music, working together since 2018. But they have now turned enemies. Singers Simphiwe Dana and Titi Luzipho made a brief appearance at the Randburg magistrate court following a defamation case after Simphiwe Dana implied the Gqeberha singer received money from the COVID-19 Relief Fund using her name. The two are also battling rights for Titi to be credited accordingly as a music director, composer and performer on Simphiwe’s upcoming album, Moya.
COURT
The two arrived at the Randburg Magistrate court on Thursday morning, 22 August as though they were complete strangers. Siphiwe accused Titi of claiming funds using her name on a social media crusade. The department said that Simphiwe’s email was used to apply for the grant. Titi said Simphiwe was using her name to gain social media popularity, instead of taking the legal route, which she has since done.
MUSIC
The fight has also spilled over to the music. Titi was the music director for Simphiwe Dana’s upcoming project Moya, which has since been on hold due to the legal battle between the two. Simphiwe said, she composed all her songs and Titi has no right to withhold her from releasing them. “She produced some and not the a capella ones,” she said. “I refuse to be held at ransom by someone I’ve tried with everything to help. I will just produce a new album because I can. I’m just tired of this person.”
LEGAL
Titi said she is going the legal route and won’t entertain it any further. “I won’t let it rest. I won’t let my years of hard work be tainted.” She said the music battle they are facing, and the COVID-19 Relief Fund issue should not be mixed. “The music issue is an ongoing negotiation between our legal teams. I was the musical director in Moya as well as the arranger, composer, and performer in some instances. I was initially meant to work on stage production, and we are legally dealing with the commercial release of Moya.” The matter has been postponed. Simphiwe said, "Let the court take its course, but the entire thing has been draining. Moya is a personal project for me, and it might not see the light of day."
