South African musician Sho Madjozi is facing a high-stakes legal battle, with her former management agency Black Major filing a lawsuit claiming it is owed more than R5 million in unpaid commissions and expenses.
According to court documents filed in the Johannesburg High Court, the agency alleges it is entitled to a 20% share of an advance payment reported to be approximately R5 million, that Sho Madjozi received following the termination of her international recording contract with Epic Records.
The legal complaint states that Black Major managed the artist’s career from July 2021 until February 2025, handling tours, brand partnerships, and recording agreements. The agency claims its management agreement entitled it to commission on all music-related income earned during this period.
The lawsuit further alleges that unpaid commissions and expenses are owed across multiple areas, including work with royalty collection society SAMRO, tour production, documentary projects, brand endorsements, and royalties from specific songs such as ‘Ndi Rine’ and ‘Kadigong.’
Black Major also claims that R12,000 in commission remains outstanding from collaborations with Wasserman Music, Ubisoft Royalties, and Eclipse Communications. According to the filing, the agency sent a formal payment demand on February 28, 2025, and alleges the debt was acknowledged by the artist in a private email from July 2024.
The legal action requests that the court refer the matter to mediation before proceeding to trial. The claims have not yet been tested in court, and no judgment has been issued.
Sho Madjozi, whose legal name is Maya Christinah Xichavo Wegerif, publicly announced a pause in her music career in February 2025, coinciding with the end of her management agreement.
