SA: DJ Bongz leaves Mabala Noise to start new label

In the tweet that is no longer available online, DJ Bongz said: “I, DJ BONGZ, would like to confirm that I AM NO LONGER PART OF MABALA NOISE. I wish everyone success there. Peace.”

DJ Bongz is not the first artist to leave the record label. Riky Rick left Mabala Noise in early 2017 after the Metro FM Awards. Speaking to Music in Africa, Mabala Noise head of communications Mhlo Gumede, in response to whether or not DJ Bongz had left Mabala Noise, said: "He posted that on Twitter. Speak to him". DJ Bongz's manager, Lindokuhle Buthelezi, later confirmed that DJ Bongz is no longer with the label. 

Fans took to Twitter after Tuesday's announcement to express their shock at the development. One Twitter user asked, “How do you leave your own company though?" while another replied, “When you don't want to be a part of the money laundering syndicate or you were into for the entertainment – not the illegal stuff."

Mabala Noise has been at the center of controversy and criticism with claims that the Metro FM awards won by Mabala Noise artists earlier this year were bought. The company also hosted the Durban July launch party on 30 June.  

In a twitter rant after the launch, Zakes Bantwini said the Mabala Noise team had “lack of professionalism, communication and disrespect was shown by the Mabala Noise team”.

Kwesta on the other hand apologised to his fans for only performing a 15-minute set at the same event. “I would like to apologise to everyone that came to Greyville Racecourse to see me at the Mabala Noise event. Business wasn't handled right,” the young rapper said.      

Mabala Noise, originally called Emabalabala, was started in 2008 by co-owners Bongani ‘DJ Bongz’ Dlamini and ANC Youth League treasurer Reggie Nkabinde. The record label is home to the likes of Nasty C, Gigi Lamayne, maskandi musician Thokozani Langa and L’vovo Derrango.