Ami Faku takes legal action against manager over unpaid royalties

Award-winning singer Ami Faku has reportedly launched legal proceedings against her manager Raphael Benza and his label, Vth Season, citing alleged unpaid royalties and a lack of financial transparency regarding her music career. 

When contacted by IOL for comment on whether Vth Season had issued an official statement, the label declined to provide any further information. However, Benza offered a response, saying:

“Just because Amanda says there’s a contractual breach doesn’t mean that is the case. We look forward to having this matter dealt with in court,” said Benza.

The case, filed in the Johannesburg High Court, highlights what Faku describes as systemic exploitation of young Black female artists through unfair contracts and disorganised royalty reporting. 

According to a report by Sunday World, Faku in court documents, claims that royalty reports provided by Vth Season are incomplete and poorly compiled, leaving her in the dark about her rightful earnings. 

She is also seeking ownership of the master recordings of her debut album “Imali”, into which she says she invested over R400,000.

Her legal bid includes an application to terminate her artist, management, and publishing agreements with both Benza and Vth Season, as well as a demand for full access to the label’s accounting records.

Beyond her claims, Faku’s lawsuit casts a spotlight on what she alleges is a pattern of exploitation in the industry. 

Benza previously managed the late rapper Kiernan "AKA" Forbes. In 2016, the slain rapper left Vth Season following a behind-the-scenes fallout.

IOL Entertainment