SELF proclaimed but inactive comedian Sarafina Ntenga popularly known as Ba Kopala Laaka has snatched the title’The Kopala Queen’ from celebrated Kopala rap queen Xaven real name, Racheal Mwewa after she officially registered the trademark for ‘The Kopala Queen’ at the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) this morning.
This has sparked questions on social media about the future of Xaven, who is famously known by the same title.
According to PACRA, Sarafina secured two certificates of registration for her brands, ‘The Kopala Queen’ and ‘Ba Kopala Laaka’ during the 2025 CAMINEX exhibition.
This legal move gives her exclusive rights to use the name ‘The Kopala Queen’ in business and entertainment.
The trademark registration also means that anyone using ‘The Kopala Queen’ without Sarafina’s permission could face legal consequences including Xaven, whose stage name has been widely recognised across Zambia’s music industry.
However, according to legal experts unless Xaven proves she used the name for a long time before Sarafina’s registration, she risks being forced to stop using the title as trademark law protects those who register their brands first.
According to the Trade Marks Act No. 11 of 2023, specifically Section 19, a person who believes that the registration of a trademark would prejudice their existing rights can file a notice of opposition within sixty days of the publication of the acceptance of the application.
This includes situations where the opposing party has been using the mark prior to the applicant’s registration.
The situation has left fans and industry insiders wondering if Xaven will have to change her brand or negotiate with the comedian turned businesswoman.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, May 28, 2025
