PICTURE: X/ KWESTA AND NOTA BALOYI
Nando’s has denied copyright infringement claims over the use of Spirit, a song by multi-award-winning rapper Kwesta, in their viral campaign.
This comes after the fast food chain used Kwesta’s song sampled from Brenda Fassie’s music for their advertisement. Controversial music executive Nhlamulo Nota Baloyi alleged that Nando’s made use of the song without being granted permission and licence to do so.
Through his company Urbantainment, Nota claims he holds publishing rights to the sample and demands R850,000, threatening lawsuits against Nando’s, Kwesta, and his manager.
Rejecting the claims made by Nota, Nando’s issued a statement citing that they secured licenses via Downtown Music Publishing Africa.
“We are aware of the allegations of unlawfully using the ‘Spirit’ track. These allegations are completely incorrect. A letter addressing these allegations was sent to Mr Baloyi (Nota) in November 2025, to which we have never received a response,” read the statement.
Nando’s also said that their process of securing the license to use Spirit was transparent and is fully aligned with all legal requirements.
“Any additional matters contesting ownership of the track rest with the alleged relevant music publishing parties and are to be resolved between those parties,” they added.
— NandosSA (@NandosSA) January 27, 2026
In response to the statement, Nota said:
1. Nandos’ statement is all lies & misdirection.
2. Notice was given on October 9th that NO LICENSES WERE GRANTED, they FRAUDulently proceeded & thus, unindemnified Nandos from CRIMINAL liability.
3. You dismiss the claim with haste, the courts will show you to be ill-advised!🐓 pic.twitter.com/EtzwcxIQzF— MORAL Authority (@lavidaNOTA) January 28, 2026
Whoever advised the release of this statement was counting on defaming me… The fact that a South African corporation would be party to fraud & criminal rights infringement isn’t surprising but it goes against the reputation Nandos has created for itself!🐓pic.twitter.com/Ed1bG2byde https://t.co/9nqPh3Bh55
— MORAL Authority (@lavidaNOTA) January 28, 2026
WATCH:
There is just something about this place… It has THAT THING – that spirit – It’s like we’re all made from this special kind of fire. The People’s Fire. And we were born from this same fire. #Ohwhataplace pic.twitter.com/I9jWSe6OEW
— NandosSA (@NandosSA) November 14, 2025
Also see: DJ Maphorisa breaks silence on Ngud’ royalties dispute with Nota Baloyi