By BANO News
South African music sensation Tyla is facing a legal downpour over her smash hit “Water,” which catapulted her to global fame.
Two California-based songwriters, Olmo Zucca and Jackson Paul LoMastro, have taken legal action, claiming they were unfairly left out of the credits and compensation for their alleged role in creating the chart-topping track.
Filed in a U.S. federal court on July 25, the lawsuit names Tyla, producer Sammy Soso (real name Samuel Awuku), and Sony Music Entertainment as defendants. Zucca and LoMastro allege that Awuku falsely claimed sole authorship of “Water,” denying them the recognition and royalties they say they rightfully deserve.
The legal filing accuses the defendants of copyright infringement and misrepresentation, arguing that the song’s global success has generated substantial revenue from which they’ve been excluded.
“Water” became a breakout single in 2023, earning Tyla a Grammy Award and establishing her as one of the most prominent new voices in Afrobeats and global pop. The song’s infectious rhythm and sensual choreography sparked viral dance challenges and earned chart placements worldwide.
The lawsuit threatens to cast a shadow over Tyla’s meteoric rise, raising broader questions about transparency and equity in the music industry, especially for emerging artists and international collaborations.
Neither Tyla, Awuku, nor Sony Music had issued an official response by the time of publication.
As the legal battle unfolds, fans and industry watchers alike will be watching closely to see how the case impacts the star's reputation—and the future of “Water.”
