Tyla’s Hit Song “Water” Faces Legal Storm as Songwriters Sue Over Royalty Dispute

Tyla’s smash hit song “Water,” which has catapulted the South African artist to global fame, is now at the center of a legal battle over royalty payments. Songwriters Olmo Zucca and Jackson LoMastro have filed a lawsuit against Tyla, her producer Sammy SoSo Awuku, and the record label Epic over an alleged dispute regarding their share of royalties.

The heart of the conflict stems from claims by Zucca and LoMastro, who assert that they were unfairly allocated only 10% of the song’s royalties—less than the customary 12.5% for co-composers. According to the plaintiffs, Awuku, who had a hand in producing the track, took a higher share of the royalties than what is standard practice in the industry, leaving Zucca and LoMastro with a smaller portion than they believe they are entitled to.

The lawsuit reveals that Zucca and LoMastro had initially attempted to resolve the matter with Awuku before the song’s release in 2023, but their efforts were met with refusal. Their complaint outlines that all four producers involved—Zucca, LoMastro, Awuku, and Goufar—contributed equally to the final version of the song. Despite this, the plaintiffs claim that they did not receive the fair share of royalties they were owed. Additionally, the suit alleges that Awuku took 15% of the publishing rights for himself, deviating from the usual 12.5% each producer would typically receive.

“Water” has been a game-changer for Tyla. The song not only brought her international recognition but also became the first song by an African female artist to surpass one billion streams on Spotify. With over 300 million views on YouTube, “Water” has dominated award shows, winning prestigious accolades like the Grammy for Best African Music Song Performance, and solidifying her place in the global music scene.

The lawsuit, which names Epic Records as a party, has put a spotlight on the often murky waters of music royalties and production credits, leaving fans and industry professionals keen to see how this legal drama unfolds. As “Water” continues to enjoy commercial success, the outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for future royalty negotiations in the music industry.