Nandos rejects Nota Baloyi’s lawsuit regarding ‘Spirit’ track
Nando’s firmly rejects Nota Baloyi’s R850,000 lawsuit, asserting they obtained rights for the ‘Spirit’ track from all necessary parties.
Image: Instagram: Nota Baloyi
Nando’s has rejected the allegations made in Nhlamulo 'Nota' Baloyi’s lawsuit against the company, which seeks R850 000 in damages.
The claim alleges that Nando's used a sample of Brenda Fassie's song, "Kuyoze Kuyovalwa," in one of its advertisements without obtaining permission or paying a license fee to Baloyi’s record company, Urbantaiment, which holds the rights to the song’s sample that reportedly was used in the ad featuring Kwesta.
The ad, released in November was a hit, combining Kwesta’s creativity and Nando’s, the chicken fast food restaurant’s ad creativity.
Nando’s confirms that it is aware of the allegations of unlawfully using the “Spirit” track.
“These allegations are completely incorrect. A letter addressing these allegations was sent to Mr Baloyi (Nota) in November 2025, to which we have never received a response,” Nando’s confirmed.
Nando’s also confirms, “We have secured the rights to the 'Spirit' track in full collaboration with the original composers and all rights holders represented by Downtown Music T/A Sheer Publishing. Our process was transparent and is fully aligned with all legal requirements.”
The restaurant further stated, “We have no reason to doubt the validity of the rights granted by the relevant licence holders and will therefore continue to use the composition as licensed”.
Nando's has acknowledged the dispute over the track's ownership, noting that the relevant music publishing parties are handling the matter. It said the company values creativity and respects artists, and is looking forward to continued positive collaborations.
Despite Nando's rejection and its assertion that the company had fulfilled its duty to grant rights to the rightful song owners, Baloyi disputed Nando's statement. He claimed that Nando's was notified on October 9th, "no licenses were granted," asserting that "they fraudulently proceeded & thus, unindemnified Nandos from CRIMINAL liability." he quoted on his response on Twitter.
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