Tyla’s hit song Water is now the focus of a legal battle. Two producers, Olmo Zucca and Jackson LoMastro, are suing Tyla, Sony Music, and producer Sammy Soso (Samuel Awuku) in California.
Zucca and LoMastro say they helped make Water during a recording session in Los Angeles in March 2023. They claim they added key sounds like piano, bass guitar, electric guitar, and vocal effects. These sounds were used in the final version of the song.
Although they are listed as co-writers, they also want credit as top-line producers. They say Awuku took full credit and signed a deal behind their backs. They claim he gave himself a bigger share of royalties while giving them less than they deserve.
The song, released in July 2023, has become a global success. It has won awards, including the first Grammy for Best African Music Performance. It also has over a billion streams on Spotify and millions of views on YouTube.
Zucca and LoMastro argue they were never paid as session musicians. They say they did not sign any work-for-hire agreement. They insist they should be credited as full producers and be paid their fair share.
They are asking the court to give them proper credit and royalties. This includes past and future payments, copyright recognition, and a producer fee.
So far, Tyla and Sony Music have not responded publicly to the lawsuit.
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