Nciza vs. Magibili: The R5m Zahara Legacy War

The legal battle surrounding the legacy of the late Afro-pop sensation Zahara (Bulelwa Mkutukana) has escalated to the KuGompo City High Court. Music executive and ANC Gauteng provincial secretary Thembinkosi “TK” Nciza is currently seeking a R5 million default judgment against arts activist Bandile Magibili following a series of explosive allegations.

The lawsuit stems from statements Magibili allegedly made during a community radio interview and on social media. Magibili accused Nciza and his former TS Records partner, Sbusiso “DJ Sbu” Leope, of exploiting Zahara by withholding millions in royalties. Most significantly, the activist went as far as to suggest that the stress and financial hardship caused by this alleged exploitation were the primary factors leading to Zahara’s untimely death of liver failure in December 2023.

Nciza’s legal team argues that these claims are “malicious fabrications” intended to destroy his professional and political standing. The move for a default judgment suggests that Magibili failed to provide a formal legal defense against the summons within the required timeframe.

Nciza has been firm in his stance, dismissing the narrative that he mistreated the singer. In a recent statement regarding the ongoing backlash, he noted: “I have been silent for years while my name was used as a scapegoat. These allegations are entirely false, defamatory, and without any factual basis.”

Magibili, a well-known activist for artists’ rights, has previously maintained that his comments were in the “public interest,” though the court will now determine if they crossed the line into defamation.

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