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Zoë Modiga and BandaBanda’s “Thula” dispute: What happened between the former creative partners?

South African singer and songwriter Zoë Modiga and musician and producer BandaBanda are at the centre of a public dispute over their song “Thula”, with the disagreement now involving questions around approval, ownership and commercial rights — and putting the spotlight back on a personal and professional relationship that once appeared deeply intertwined.

The latest development came after the release of “Thula (Culoe De Song Remix)” on 4 September 2026. The track is credited to Culoe De Song, BandaBanda and Zoë Modiga.However, Modiga says she did not approve the remix.In a statement issued through her team, the singer said she had “no prior knowledge of, involvement in, or approval” of the release and that she was neither consulted nor gave permission for it.

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She further revealed that there are ongoing legal discussions concerning the rights, ownership and commercial arrangements relating to the work.Modiga said she had instructed her legal representatives to address the matter and made it clear that she does not intend to engage in a public debate while the dispute is being handled through formal legal channels.

BandaBanda has since given his side of the story, disputing the suggestion that there was no communication before the remix was released. According to his statement, the music was shared with Modiga before the release and he says the communication forms part of a documented record. He also claims that attempts had been made over several months to resolve wider professional matters, including meetings, correspondence and follow-ups, but that these efforts did not result in a resolution.

The disagreement is particularly notable because “Thula” is not simply a new collaboration between two artists. It comes from a creative partnership that stretches back years.BandaBanda has played a significant role in Modiga’s musical journey, including producing her acclaimed 2020 album Inganekwane. Their working relationship continued into later projects, with BandaBanda also contributing to Modiga’s 2024 album nomthandazo. In an interview with HYPE Magazine at the time, Modiga described him as an “incredible generous collaborator” and explained that she called on him when she felt the music needed more rhythm and a stronger heartbeat.Their partnership also extended beyond recording music.

The two worked together on live performances and projects, including intimate acoustic performances exploring music from both of their catalogues.BandaBanda was also closely involved in Modiga’s wider career through his agency and production work. Their professional relationship was therefore not limited to the occasional studio collaboration; for years, their names were closely connected within South Africa’s music industry.And then there was the question of their personal relationship.

For years, there had been speculation about whether Modiga and BandaBanda were romantically involved, fuelled in part by just how closely their personal and professional lives appeared to overlap. More recent reporting has described them as having been romantically involved, with reports saying that their breakup in December 2025 marked the end of both a personal and creative chapter.It is important, however, to separate what has been publicly reported from speculation. Their professional partnership is well documented, as is reporting around the end of their personal relationship, but the details of their private life should not be treated as established fact beyond what the artists themselves have publicly confirmed.

The original “Thula” was released in June 2025 and appeared on BandaBanda’s album ZINZA, with Modiga featured on the track. BandaBanda has described the song as one centred on peace, stillness and quiet, making the circumstances surrounding the remix all the more striking.“The irony,” BandaBanda said in his response, is that a song about stillness has now been met with “so much noise”. He maintained that he has always wanted peace.

For Modiga, however, the issue appears to be about much more than the remix itself. Her statement points to unresolved questions around rights, ownership and commercial arrangements ,matters that can become particularly complicated when artists have created music while also sharing management, business and personal ties.

The remix remains available on streaming platforms, where it is credited to Culoe De Song, BandaBanda and Modiga.For now, both artists have placed their respective positions on record. Modiga has chosen to let the legal process address the matter, while BandaBanda has publicly maintained that communication took place before the remix was released.Until the legal issues are resolved, one thing remains clear: a creative partnership that once produced some of Modiga’s most significant work has entered a very different chapter, and this time, the story is not about the music they made together, but about who has the right to decide what happens to it next.

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Sindeka Mandoyi

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