Tyla walks free from “Water” royalties dispute
South African singer Tyla can breathe easy after a long-running royalties lawsuit involving her Grammy-winning hit Water finally cleared her name. On February 5, 2026, songwriters Olmo Zucca and Jackson LoMastro voluntarily withdrew their claims against the 24-year-old artist, removing her entirely from the case.
The lawsuit, which first emerged in early 2025, revolved around studio sessions in Los Angeles in March 2023. Zucca and LoMastro alleged that recordings they contributed were used in Water without proper credit, pointing fingers at producer Awuku, who had signed an exclusive deal positioning himself as the sole producer.
Although Tyla was named in the lawsuit, she was never accused of wrongdoing — a fact that many fans highlighted when news of her removal broke.
Legal twists and turns
The case has had a complex history. Initially, Sony Music Entertainment was also named but was removed in November 2025, leaving producer Sammy SoSo as the remaining defendant. Zucca and LoMastro had initially sought producer credits, a royalty adjustment, and a producer fee. They claimed the track, which went viral globally after its July 2023 release, had already generated over $10 million, with potential earnings exceeding $50 million.
The song became Tyla’s international breakout, earning her a Grammy for Best African Music Performance and cementing her status as one of South Africa’s most influential young artists.
Fans rally online
The reaction on social media was swift and overwhelmingly supportive. X users flooded the platform with messages celebrating Tyla’s legal victory and praising her rise to international fame.
“Fighting this girl is like fighting God himself. He is the one who took her from SA and placed her where she is right now, and no one can undo that except God himself,” wrote @Quantumleeping.
“All weapons prospered against Tyla shall fail!” added @tylassecurity.
The bigger picture
Tyla’s journey from local artist to Grammy-winning star has always been marked by determination and talent. Water wasn’t just a viral hit; it represented a new wave of South African artists breaking onto the global stage. The resolution of this lawsuit underscores a key point: while disputes over credits and royalties are common in the music industry, Tyla’s career trajectory remains untarnished.
Her story also highlights the complexities behind global hits — multiple collaborators, studio deals, and international labels can all create legal grey areas, even when the artist herself is uninvolved. For Tyla, it’s now back to what she does best: making music, performing, and inspiring the next generation of South African talent.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: X{@tylacrav3}