A Durban rapper has pursued legal action against South Africa’s renowned band Mi Casa for allegedly stealing one of his songs.
Novi Naidoo served a letter of demand on the band this week stating that his song, Chocolate was similar to Mi Casa’s hit single Chocolat from their Home Sweet Home album.
Naidoo is demanding that the band refrain from playing, publishing, performing, airing or selling copies of the song.
He also wants compensation for the royalties paid to them thus far which equates to millions.
“If they fail to do this, I will approach the high court to prevent them from using the song any longer and I will sue them for costs,” said Naidoo.
Naidoo’s version of the song was released in May and features popular South African rugby player, S’bura Sithole.
His remix was released in June featuring Big Nuz member Mampintsha and rapper Duncan. MiCasa’s song was released in September.
Naidoo alleges that Mi Casa stole the concept and theme of his song and that lyrically some words were the same. He said both songs were in the same key.
Naidoo obtained independent reports from experts in the field of music and from linguists who all confirmed that there were “striking similarities between the two songs”.
“The concept and theme of the song has been clearly stolen. In my song, the theme of chocolate is being compared to women, in Mi Casa’s song, the same thing is done,” Naidoo said.
But the irony for him is that both his original version of the song and the remix were distributed by a company that also distributes Mi Casa’s music.
“After plugging my song, the company told me that nobody bought the concept, but six months later, their biggest artist released a similar song that tops the charts on almost every TV and radio show. This is surprising to me and I find it hard to believe,” said Naidoo.
Naidoo said that he planned to “go big” and market his song in January but if he did that now, it would seem as though he was the one who copied Mi Casa’s song.
“This is a huge disappointment for me. Big musicians who have already established themselves are fond of trying to cut the chances of upcoming musicians.
“This is wrong. It happens so often overseas and it is happening here too.
“I am doing this not for the money but rather, for every musician out there who was robbed by a bigger name.
“Mi Casa needs to know that they messed with the wrong guy, and I’m coming for them,” said Naidoo.
A disappointed Naidoo said that all he wanted was recognition for his work and that he deserved to be a co-writer on Mi Casa’s song.
“It took me 14 years to finally get to where I am today. When someone knocks you down like this, it really isn’t good.
“It took me six months of research and investigating to get to the bottom of this and I have everything I need now. I am willing to settle this matter out of court.
“Court cases are lengthy and costs are high. Many upcoming artists go through the same thing but do not have the resources to fight it legally but I will not give up,” said Naidoo.
Mi Casa’s manager, Colin Mokgaotsi said they would respond, but have not so far.
Sunday Tribune