Whose A’sphelelanga is it anyway? Vusi Nova song sparks controversy
Music fans are divided about who owns the rights to the popular traditional song.
A’sphelelanga singer Vusi Nova | Image: Twitter
Before Vusi Nova could even enjoy the success of what is fast-becoming a smash hit in the form of his latest single A’sphelelanga featuring Jessica Mbangeni, controversy has hit the singer.
A few artists have come forward to claim that the song was originally theirs and that Vusi Nova owes them royalties as a result.
@Powerfm987 @iamthabomdluli@mabena_bob
This popular "Asiphelelanga" now adapted Vusi Nova song is actually an old "igwijo lesi-Xhosa, peeps claiming ownership of it, have it wrong, It can be used by many artists, similarly 2 how #DrRibs appropriated gospel songs#POWERBreakfast— zwelitsha (@zwelitshazwe) November 6, 2018
@VusiNova so there is a guy out there claiming #asphelelanga is his version?
— FETO_SA (@tefo231) November 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/SimplyThandeka/status/1059549666222764032
Others have claimed the song does not belong to anyone as it is a popular traditional song whose exact origins are unknown.
https://twitter.com/MrEarlStouche/status/1059689199887114241
In addition to its widespread use as a struggle song during apartheid, the song has also reportedly been the “theme song” of popular football team Chippa United.
@bonglez #Asphelelanga song is sang by #ChipaUnited, it has been their song since regaining #PSL status under #RoggerSikhakhane may his soul RIP. "Asphelelanga kushod'' uRogger" ask @robertmarawa he knows it very well. #VusiNova mixed it very well truth be told #UmonaPhansi
— Xolani Khuhlase kaMgabhi (@16xolani) November 6, 2018
Most people seem to be on Nova’s side with regards to the use of the song.
@bonglez @VusiNova @Radio702 this is a non topic reallllyyyy wow… Maskandi artist must relax and write an original song… that’s a trad song
— ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ (@sakhilelele) November 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/JiliSwagg/status/1059686603000610816
@bonglez @Radio702
There is actually another issue regarding the Vusi Nova song, the song has no mention of maskandi artists and now working with Igcokama Elisha to remix the song.— Thabang Khumalo (@thee_meister) November 6, 2018
Listen to the original here:
READ NEXT: EXCLUSIVE VIDEO – Watch Vusi Nova answer our quirkiest questions
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