Tyla Cleared of Legal Claims in “Water” Royalties Dispute
South African singer Tyla has been removed from a lawsuit filed by songwriters Olmo Zucca and Jackson LoMastro, who had claimed exclusion from master recording royalties linked to her hit song “Water”. On February 5, 2026, Zucca and LoMastro voluntarily withdrew their claims against the 24-year-old artist, leaving her entirely out of the case. The withdrawal came without Tyla paying any settlement, following the earlier removal of Sony Music Entertainment from the lawsuit in November 2025. The only remaining defendant is “Water” producer Sammy SoSo.
The dispute dates back to early 2025 and revolves around studio sessions in Los Angeles in March 2023, where Zucca and LoMastro collaborated with Awuku and producer Rayan El-Hussein Goufar, also known as Rayo. The songwriters claimed that several recordings from these sessions were later used in the final version of “Water”. They alleged that Awuku sidelined them in the crediting process by signing an exclusive deal with Tyla as the sole producer and offered them only 10 percent in publishing royalties each, while retaining 15 percent for himself. According to the complaint, Epic Records was not informed of their contributions until a meeting with the label’s president in May 2024.
Zucca and LoMastro attempted to resolve the matter privately for months before pursuing legal action. While Tyla was named as a defendant, she was never accused of any wrongdoing and did not make public comments at the time. The songwriters initially filed a similar suit in July 2025, briefly withdrew it, and refiled the following day with new legal representation. They sought official producer credits, a higher royalty rate of 12.5 percent, and a producer fee.
The lawsuit claimed “Water” had generated over $10 million in revenue since its release, with total potential earnings exceeding $50 million. Released in July 2023, the track propelled Tyla to international acclaim, going viral across social media platforms and earning her a Grammy for Best African Music Performance alongside multiple local and international awards. Following news of her removal from the case, fans expressed strong support online, celebrating her legal clearance.
This development closes a significant chapter in Tyla’s career, allowing her to focus on her growing global success. The resolution also highlights the complexities of crediting and royalty disputes in modern music production, particularly in collaborative projects. Tyla’s viral breakout with “Water” remains a landmark moment for South African artists on the international stage, demonstrating her influence and earning power in the industry. The case’s outcome underscores the importance of clear agreements and transparency in music production collaborations to prevent similar disputes in the future.
