[imagesource:twitter/popbase]

A backup singer who took part in Shakira’s ‘Waka Waka’ song is miffed at not receiving royalties and has now claimed the singer’s team was told they were “AIDS orphans”.

Singer Aux Alaio (pronounced Oksalayo) took to Twitter to raise his ire at not having seen a cent of his cut of proceeds from the song ‘Waka Waka’. The single achieved massive global success and is currently sitting on over 3,5 billion views on YouTube.

The 26-year-old singer was a backup twerker for the video as a 13-year-old but believes he is owed money for his backup duties. On top of his misunderstanding of royalty rights, Aux Alaio revealed that Shakira’s team was told they were all AIDS orphans, after which the team treated them like superstars for two weeks.

“The part that cracks me up is that Shakira’s team was told that we were AIDS orphans, and they pounced on us! Booked us the finest hotels, and we literally lived with Shakira for 2 weeks 😭😭.”

The part that cracks us up is that Aux Alaio acknowledges signing a contract, but not really reading through it.

Granted, the singer was a minor then, but that would mean someone had to sign for him, so who dropped the ball in that instance?

Opinions seem to be divided over whether the singer can claim some dosh almost 14 years later.

still havent received my royalties for singing backup on this song. 💔 https://t.co/7k0Y6OvQkM

— Aux Alaio (@AuxAlaio) May 7, 2023

Last I recall. You do not get royalty pay-out for simply singing backup vocals. But you rather get royalty pay-out for composition and author publication of the song.

— #PercyBorena (@VIPMusicSA) May 8, 2023

@Javars commented: “We live and we learn. Also, get yourself familiar with the works of @SAMROMusic and @CapassoHub next time you’ll know exactly what types of royalties are available and who’s entitled to them. All the best with your future endeavors”.

The Soccer World Cup seems to be the gift that keeps on taking in South Africa. And with times this tough, we can’t really blame anyone for looking to cash in on some ‘outstanding invoices’.

Maybe just next time read your contract before you spout off on Twitter after a decade and a half.

[source:citizen]