Two songwriters behind the global hit Water by South Africanartist Tyla are suing for unpaid royalties, claiming they were pushed out of proper credit and compensation in what they call a “fraudulent scheme”.
Who’s Involved?
Olmo Zucca and Jackson LoMastro – songwriters and co-creators of Water
Tyla Seethal – the performer
Sammy SoSo (real name Samuel Awuku) – British producer and named lead producer on the track
Sony Music Entertainment – parent company of Tyla’s label, Epic Records
What’s the Dispute About?
The legal dispute centres on a March 2023 recording session in Los Angeles. Zucca and LoMastro say they worked on several recordings that became part of Water, but were only credited as co-writers — not producers.
“We were promised fair credit and fair pay. That never happened,” the plaintiffs state in court documents.
They claim:
Sammy SoSo excluded them from production credits
He offered them only 10% royalties each, while taking 15% for himself
He presented himself to the label as the sole producer
The pair allege that SoSo misled them intentionally, engaging in what the suit calls a “pattern of deception” to downplay their contributions.
What Happened with Epic Records?
Zucca and LoMastro refer to a meeting with Epic Records president Ezekiel Lewis in May 2024. In that meeting, Lewis allegedly said SoSo had never told the label about any co-producers on Water.
What Are They Asking For?
The songwriters want:
Official credit as producers, both retroactively and going forward
An increase in their royalty share from 10% to 12.5% each
A producer fee for their work
How Much Has Water Made?
According to the lawsuit:
Water has already earned over $10 million
It could bring in over $50 million in the long term
“With the song’s ongoing success, it’s only right we receive the credit and compensation we’re owed,” say Zucca and LoMastro.
A Case That’s Back on the Table
This is actually a refiled lawsuit. The original was submitted in March 2024 but voluntarily withdrawn just before this new one was lodged.
Sony Music, Tyla, and Sammy SoSo have yet to publicly respond to the allegations.
by allan muriithi
