Makhadzi accuses former label of hijacking her royalties
Makhadzi has accused her former record label, Open Mic Productions, of secretly signing her up with a new distribution company without her approval.
The Kota To hitmaker, whose real name is Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, took to social media to voice her frustration.
“While preparing for my album, I’m making sure that my things move nicely and everything is in order. After my fallout with Open Mic, I never signed a publishing deal with any company,” she said.
Makhadzi insists the only deal she has in place is with Africori, a pan-African digital music company.
But she recently discovered her name linked to a company she claims she never authorized.
“Now I just found out that my old management at Open Mic opened a company called Nazo in partnership with Mukima Production that works with a new company called Virgi Music Group. I found out that the two companies are busy collecting my publishing royalties without my knowledge. I don’t know at this point what you want from me. I am not bothering anyone, I am just doing my thing,” she explained.
Her manager, Maphuti Mathato, confirmed they are investigating the matter, saying, “If it is true, then it could be seen as fraud.”
But Open Mic Productions has dismissed the allegations.
Co-founder Lionel Jamela said, “It’s another stunt to promote her album. She’s very good at doing that. We parted ways with her; she must run her label peacefully without accusing.”
Makhadzi cut ties with Open Mic in 2023 after a tumultuous three years.
While the partnership produced four hit albums and international tours to the UK, Canada, Australia, and Senegal, it ended on a sour note.
At one point, she accused the label of exploiting her and claimed she had not “received a cent” from her music, allegations the company countered by releasing proof of R8 million in payments to her.