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| @MakhadziSA /twiiter image |
On May 2nd, 2023, the South African music industry was hit with the news of Makhadzi's departure from Open Mic Productions (PTY) Ltd. Makhadzi, whose real name is Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, had been with the record label for three years, producing four studio albums that had all done exceptionally well. She had become a household name in South Africa, and her music had won her numerous awards both locally and internationally. However, her parting with Open Mic Productions was not a smooth one, and Makhadzi's fans were left wondering what had led to her decision to leave.
Media Statement on my working relationship with Open Mic Productions. pic.twitter.com/daM3tuRuJE
— Makhadzi (@MakhadziSA) May 2, 2023
In her press release, Makhadzi stated that she had decided not to renew her contract with Open Mic Productions, which had come to an end in March 2023. She thanked the label for the good work and contribution they had made to her music career, but stated that it was time for her to focus on her own company, Makhadzi Entertainment, and other business ventures. She added that the music career was short, and she wanted to leave a legacy for her family and those who depended on her.
However, Makhadzi's statement did not tell the whole story. In subsequent interviews and interactions with fans on social media, she revealed that her parting with Open Mic Productions was not amicable. Her frustration with the label stemmed from several issues, including their refusal to give her a copy of her contract and the alleged involvement of the label's Managing Director, Nkateko Maluleke, in threatening her.
Here is the letter that I recieved from open mic , they were not asking me if I stl want to work with them, they were just telling me cz iam their slave 😒💔. pic.twitter.com/QlsFOjSLp5
— Makhadzi (@MakhadziSA) May 6, 2023
Makhadzi's fans were concerned about the lack of transparency regarding her contract with Open Mic Productions. They asked to see the contract clause, which should specify the duration and conditions of the contract. Makhadzi revealed that she did not have a copy of the contract as the label had never agreed to give her one. She added that she had requested a copy of the contract again the previous day and was hopeful that they would send it to her. However, she stated that only Open Mic Productions knew the clause, and she was yet to see it.
Makhadzi also revealed that she had had a difficult time dealing with the Managing Director of Open Mic Productions, Nkateko Maluleke. She alleged that Maluleke was hired to threaten her when she demanded her contract from the label. According to Makhadzi, everything changed after Maluleke's arrival, and she was only allowed to speak with him. This left her feeling helpless and frustrated, and she began to feel like a slave to the label.
In one of her social media posts, Makhadzi shared that Open Mic Productions had removed her new song, "Niazwifha," from YouTube, where it had amassed 130k views. She expressed her disappointment, stating that the label did not want to see her working but being their slave.
Media Statement on my working relationship with Open Mic Productions. pic.twitter.com/daM3tuRuJE
— Makhadzi (@MakhadziSA) May 2, 2023
Makhadzi's departure from Open Mic Productions has raised concerns about the state of the music industry in South Africa. Fans have called for transparency in record label contracts and for artists to be treated fairly. Makhadzi's case highlights the need for artists to have access to their contracts and for record labels to act ethically and professionally.
Makhadzi's parting with Open Mic Productions was not a smooth one. Her frustrations with the label, including their refusal to give her a copy of her contract and the alleged involvement of the Managing Director in threatening her, led to her decision not to renew her contract. Her departure has sparked a conversation about transparency in record label contracts and the need for artists to
Yesterday I dropped my new song niazwifha , they removed it sitting on 130k views , this breaks me more cz they don’t want to see me working but being their slave . 💔😠pic.twitter.com/s4t9urAKQ3
— Makhadzi (@MakhadziSA) May 6, 2023
