“He Had Nothing And I Did Everything For Him” – Big Zulu
“I found Mduduzi with nothing, I took him in, and I did everything for him.”
These were the words of Inkabi Records founder Big Zulu during his interview with Durban-based radio station Gagasi FM’s Felix Hlophe.
According to Big Zulu, whose real name is Siyabonga Nene, he does not know where he went wrong with Mduduzi. He explained that he gave Mduduzi his blessings when he left Inkabi Records to start his own label, Blvck Bird Entertainment.
During his chat with Felix Hlophe and Minnie Ntuli on Gagasi FM, Big Zulu once again spoke openly about the pain and worry regarding the deteriorating relationship between them.
“I found Mduduzi with nothing. I took him in and did everything for him until the time came for him to ask to leave, and I never had any issue with that; I released him with a clean heart. But in the end, I am being insulted, and I do not know why I am being insulted, even by Mdu himself, I am now an enemy to him,” he said.
Mduduzi parted ways with Inkabi Records in March 2026. The Afro-soul singer made a mutual decision with the label’s management to terminate his contract so he could focus on establishing his own independent career and record label.
The separation was entirely amicable, driven by a mutual consensus that it was time for Ncube to grow. After a highly successful multi-year partnership under Big Zulu’s guidance, Ncube chose to step out as his own boss. He launched his new record label and studio venture, Blvck Bird Entertainment.
“I truly wish, brother, to know even if you call him when I am not present, let him explain what exactly I did to him,” lamented Big Zulu.
Insiders speculate that what further caused the beef between them was the fact that Inkabi signed Fanatic SA, who was working closely with Mduduzi. Mduduzi has also recorded songs with Big Zulu’s rivals, including rapper Duncan and award-winning Maskandi artist Mthandeni “Igcokama Elisha” Manqele.
