The once harmonious professional relationship between Kelvin Momo and Kabza De Small has soured, leading to a legal confrontation that is causing ripples in the Amapiano music scene. According to sources close to the situation, the two former allies are now entangled in a legal battle that has strained their relationship and impacted their careers.
In the early days of Amapiano, Kelvin Momo was signed to Kabza De Small’s PianoHub records. Under this label, he released his highly successful album “Momo’s Private School” in 2020. The album, distributed exclusively by Sony Music Entertainment, garnered over 30 million cumulative streams, marking a significant milestone in Kelvin Momo’s career.
However, Kelvin Momo has alleged that despite the album’s success, he did not receive the financial benefits he expected. He claims that PianoHub failed to make timely royalty payments and did not fulfill other contractual obligations, such as effectively promoting his debut album and securing endorsements. These unmet expectations led Kelvin Momo to exit PianoHub in 2021 and establish his own label, Kelvin Momo Productions.
Compounding his grievances, Kelvin Momo alleges that Kabza De Small’s team failed to notify distributors and publishers about the end of their contractual agreement. This oversight, according to Momo, resulted in payments for his work being incorrectly remitted to PianoHub rather than to him.
Feeling betrayed and exploited, Kelvin Momo is now seeking legal redress. He has filed a lawsuit in the Johannesburg High Court, accusing PianoHub of breach of contract and demanding compensation. In his legal filing, Momo is seeking a substantial R1 million for unpaid royalties and the failure of PianoHub to meet its contractual obligations.
This legal battle reveals the challenges artists often face with record labels and contractual agreements. It is important for clear communication and transparency in business dealings to ensure that artists receive their rightful earnings and recognition for their work. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the South African music industry.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the music community watches closely, aware that the resolution of this dispute could have significant implications for both Kelvin Momo and Kabza De Small’s careers. Fans of both artists are hopeful for a fair resolution that acknowledges the contributions and rights of each party, allowing them to continue creating the music that has garnered them widespread acclaim.
