Whose A’sphelelanga is it anyway? Vusi Nova song sparks controversy

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

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.