Mfana Kah Gogo speaks out against former label
South African musician Mfana Kah Gogo, born Sipho Mbonambi, has broken his silence after a longstanding dispute with his former label, Durban Base Entertainment, over the release of his latest album. The artist claims the album Lagos 2 Jozi, a collaboration with Nigerian musician Olamzzy, hit digital platforms without his knowledge or approval, leaving him cut off from both revenue and control over his work.
“To the Sikabopha Gang and everyone who supports me, please be aware that I currently do not have access to my work or my assets. Many of these issues are beyond my control,” he said in a statement shared on social media.
A fight for ownership and revenue
Gogo alleges that his former manager, Bheko from Durban Base, continues to hold logins to his accounts and has ignored repeated attempts to communicate. He claims that royalties and streaming revenue are being collected by the label rather than reaching him directly.
“I entered this industry at 17 without fully understanding contracts and legal matters, and I believe that I was taken advantage of,” he said, reflecting on the challenges young artists often face navigating South Africa’s music business.
The dispute reportedly extends to his Samro (Southern African Music Rights Organisation) accounts and other brand-related assets, which Gogo says have been withheld.
“Shockingly, my Samro payments were made to them and not to Mfana Kah Gogo,” he said. “As if I am not the owner of my own brand.”
He also described the personal toll of the conflict, revealing that bullying and abuse from his former label and management have affected his mental health.
The label responds
Durban Base Entertainment fired back, disputing key claims. The label argued that Samro payments are contingent on artists providing personal information directly, not through a company, and suggested that Gogo’s signing with Empire Global Entertainment authorized the release of Lagos 2 Jozi.
“This contract is proof that he agreed to let Empire release the recent album. Why is he now involving Durban Base?” the label stated. “The truth is, we will defend ourselves.”
The label also emphasized that artists cannot withdraw Samro payments arbitrarily, contradicting Gogo’s claims that the revenue was being withheld.
Fans and the wider music community weigh in
Social media quickly became a forum for discussion, with fans expressing support for Gogo and raising broader questions about artist rights in South Africa. Many pointed to the challenges young musicians face when signing contracts without legal guidance, especially in the digital streaming era.
This dispute shines a light on systemic issues within the local music industry, including control over intellectual property, transparency in royalty distribution, and the balance of power between labels and artists.
Looking ahead
For Mfana Kah Gogo, the conflict appears far from over. Despite leaving Durban Base Entertainment, he insists that he wants access to his work, fair compensation, and the removal of the album from digital platforms until proper consent is given.
“This is not the end, this is the beginning of the truth. Please do the right thing. I want my belongings, my access, and this album removed,” he said.
As South Africa’s music scene continues to grow, the case could serve as a cautionary tale for emerging artists navigating the complexities of contracts, labels, and rights management.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: Daily Sun