They Used My Voice, Then Silenced Me: Nomcebo Zikode Breaks NDA to Expose Multi-Million Rand Lies — Secret Contracts, Deleted Tracks & the Call That Changed It All

In a move that’s sent shockwaves across South Africa’s music industry, global hitmaker Nomcebo Zikode has broken her long-held silence — and, reportedly, an NDA — to lift the veil on what she calls a “deliberate campaign to erase her voice from history.”

In an exclusive, emotionally charged sit-down with ShowbizNewsSA, the “Jerusalema” singer opened up about contracts she says she never signed, songs that were removed from streaming without her knowledge, and a phone call that “shattered the last illusion of artistic freedom.”

“They used my voice to build an empire,” she said. “And when the money started flowing, they tried to write me out of the story I helped create.”

🎶 The Voice Behind the Anthem — And Then the Silence

Nomcebo shot to global fame with “Jerusalema”, a pandemic-era anthem that transcended borders, cultures, and languages. But what fans didn’t know at the time was that behind the viral dance challenges and stadium tours was a storm brewing — one that would leave Nomcebo financially sidelined and legally gagged.

“I’d be on a flight to Europe and see crowds chanting the song… and yet, in my own account? Nothing. Zero. It was like the world was dancing to a voice that had no owner.”

For months, she says, she was kept in the dark about performance royalties and licensing fees — until one day, a bank statement revealed the truth.

🧾 The Secret Contracts & the Missing Millions

One of the most damning revelations in the interview involves a “supplementary artist agreement” that Nomcebo claims was never shown to her — yet bore her signature.

“I never signed that,” she says, producing what appears to be a forensic handwriting report disputing the signature. “It gave them global rights over my vocals and likeness for five years — without negotiation. I was stunned.”

Insiders at her former label, speaking under anonymity, confirm a series of backdated contracts were filed internally just as “Jerusalema” began charting on Billboard.

“They didn’t think she’d ever speak. That was their biggest mistake,” said the insider.

🧨 Deleted Tracks and the Power Play

In early 2023, Nomcebo noticed several of her solo releases — including her ballad “Imbewu” and the critically praised “Yek’eleni” — had been quietly removed from Spotify and Apple Music.

“When I asked why, I was told they had ‘expired licensing’. But who lets licensing for a new song expire in 3 months?” she asked.

She later discovered emails suggesting her tracks had been deliberately removed after she refused to participate in a joint promo tour she was never consulted on.

☎️ The Call That Changed Everything

Perhaps the most dramatic moment came late one night in June 2024. According to Nomcebo, she received a private, unlisted call. On the other end: a man with a masked voice.

“He said, ‘You were given your moment. Stay silent, or we’ll take everything back.’ Then he hung up.”

Shaken but resolute, Nomcebo began documenting everything — emails, voice notes, calendar invites, flight bookings — for what she now calls “her archive of truth.”

💼 Building Her Own Empire

In 2024, Nomcebo quietly launched Sibongile Sounds, her own music label focused on female and LGBTQ+ vocalists from underserved communities.

“I didn’t want to fight for crumbs anymore. I wanted to build the whole table.”

Already, the label has signed four artists, including 19-year-old Mbali M — a street performer Nomcebo discovered on TikTok — who recently landed a sync deal with a Netflix series.

Nomcebo says she’s now focused on healing, legacy, and ownership. But she doesn’t regret breaking her silence.

“They’ll call it drama, call it ungrateful. But I call it reclaiming what’s mine.”

⚖️ Will There Be Legal Fallout?

Representatives for her former label have declined to comment, citing “ongoing internal review.” Legal analysts say Nomcebo’s revelations — especially involving forged signatures and coercion — could lead to a major breach-of-contract lawsuit or even criminal fraud charges.

“If she has evidence of fabrication and intimidation, this could trigger a full industry audit,” said media lawyer Thato Mngomezulu.

🕊️ Final Words

In a quiet moment during our interview, Nomcebo looked out the window of her studio.

“For so long, I let fear speak louder than truth. Not anymore.”

The silence is over. And the world is finally hearing Nomcebo Zikode’s real voice — uncensored, unshaken, and unapologetically hers.