SA: Babes Wodumo in another song theft complaint

Babes Wodumo released ‘Gandaganda’ in August after taking to social media to complain in a video about a missing USB stick that contained an unmastered version of the song. Many called her rant a publicity stunt ahead of the song’s release.

Durban-based DJ Luvas and DJ Pluto, whose real names are Luvuyo Njeje and Lungelo Ntombela respectively, have now approached the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) with a complaint claiming that their song has been stolen.

SAMRO spokesperson Eugene Golouw confirmed he had received an email from the DJs but that the song had not been registered with the organisation. “We have sent them detailed policy documents outlining what they need to send to us,” Golouw told City Press.

Also speaking to City Press, Njeje said: “Babes knows the truth. The title of her song and the duration are the same as ours. Only the beats and lyrics are different. She stole our song, which we released on 6 April.”

Many commentators on social media said the lyrics to the hook of the song could not be owned by any party because it came from an old South African recitation. A producer who wanted to remain anonymous said the DJs were fighting a losing battle.

It is not the first time Babes Wodumo has been accused of stealing songs from other artists. Last year, DJ Welo accused her of stealing the beats and lyrics of his song ‘Umsebenzi’.

Even ‘Wololo’, the songstress’s biggest hit to date, faced a backlash last year when the video to the song was taken off YouTube. This after Kenyan artist Wyzle’s record company, Mausay Media, lodged a complaint that Babes Wodumo has used the same song title. The song was eventually re-uploaded on the video streaming service.

Make up your own mind and listen to both versions of ‘Gandaganda’ below: