Idols SA-runner up Lungisani "Mr. Music" Mthethwa, has announced his departure from Kalawa Jazmee. There appears to be more going on at the stable than meets the eye as Mr. Music is not the only artist to announce his departure.
The singer had been with the stable since he left Idols SA, but a couple of months ago, he hinted that things were not all roses at the stable.
Mr. Music took to his Instagram account on December 14, 2022, to announce his departure. He said his relationship with Kalawa Jazmee ended on 13 December 2022 and further said he was grateful for the opportunity to work with the record label.
“Expiry of artists agreement between dangerous combination crew records trading as Kalawa Jazmee Records and Mr Music. I refer to the artist agreement concluded between me and Dangerous Combination Crew Records t/a Kalawa Jazzmee Records on 25 January 2021”
“This notice confirms that I am no longer signed as an artist as of 13 December. I have fulfilled my minimum commitment in terms of the agreement and I’m free to enter into any third- party agreement for the sale, exploitation and/or distribution of future recordings. I am grateful for the opportunity of working with Kalawa Jazmee," read part of the statement.
A few months ago, the KwaZulu-Natal-born musician, got candid with YouTuber and social media influencer Lungelo KM on his YouTube podcast “Engineer Your Life”, about life after Idols.
He lambasted Kalawa Jazmee for not elevating his career. He said the stable was hindering him from certain things, which caused his career to stagnate. "It's sad that I have to speak about this but I have to. When you have people that you need to submit to in order for you to make it, if people don't see Mr Music releasing music they should DM them (Kalawa Jazmee)," he said.
"When I entered the show, I entered to sing, I did not go to Idols SA to be stuck and go back to square one. I went there to change my life, the way I produce my music,” he said.
"Personally I feel like there is nothing they can change, because we do need record labels and they do need us, but it is so sad that some of the people who are signed by recording labels are not getting paid, how I wish there could be a partnership rather than a contract. I didn't apply to be part of their label. I went to Idols SA and they found me already groomed, they are the ones who should beg me.”
Idols SA season 17 winner Berry, has also shared that he has left Kalawa Jazmee. She announced her departure on Facebook, "I'm officially an independent artist and no longer signed to Kalawa or any other label - you can expect much more from me coming your way," wrote Berry.
