MUSICIAN and songwriter Zoe Modiga is preparing for war against producer BandaBanda over a song meant to bring peace.
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The duo is locked in a bitter legal dispute over the remixed track Thula — ironically, a song about peace, stillness and quiet.
Drama exploded on Friday, 4 September, when the remix by Culoe De Song, BandaBanda and Zoe dropped, sparking controversy around approval, ownership, and commercial rights.
Zoe has made it clear she wants no part of it.
The award-winning artist claims she had no prior knowledge of, involvement in, or approval for the release.
In a hard-hitting statement, she revealed she was never consulted about the track.
“There are ongoing legal discussions concerning the rights, ownership, and commercial arrangements relating to the relevant work. Those issues have not yet been resolved.
“I’ve instructed my legal representatives to address the matter urgently and to take appropriate steps on my behalf,” she said.
“As the matter is now dealt with through formal legal channels, I don’t intend engaging in a public debate about the underlying dispute while that process is ongoing.”
BANDABANDA HITS BACK
But BandaBanda wasn’t about to take the allegations lying down.
He fired back with his own statement, defending his action.
“This is not something I had intended to address publicly, but given what has now been communicated, I believe it’s important to place my perspective on record with honesty, respect and clarity,” he said.
BandaBanda explained that the original version of Thula was first released on 12 June 2025.
The song was then re-recorded live in 2026 as part of ISIKHATHI, giving it new life before the remix dropped.
“Prior to the release of Thula (Remix), the music was also shared with Zoe [Modiga], and those communications form part of the documented records,” he insisted.
He claimed that over several months, he tried repeatedly to engage with Zoe on multiple outstanding professional matters.
“Meetings were arranged, correspondence sent, follow-ups made, and attempts made to reschedule conversations that had not taken place. Unfortunately, those efforts didn’t result in a resolution,” he said.
BandaBanda added: “For close to nine years, I poured an enormous amount of my creativity, time, energy and resources into a music journey that I remain proud to have been part of. I value what was created during that period and will never diminish work that was achieved together.”
He expressed hope that outstanding matters can be concluded respectfully and with dignity.
The music industry is now watching closely as the legal battle unfolds.
