In the sombre aftermath of the celebrated South African singer Zahara’s untimely death on Monday, 11 December 2023, her fans have sparked a fervent boycott against DJ Sbu and TS Records.
Zahara death spurs fans to boycott DJ Sbu – Here’s why
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This movement stems from the longstanding and complex disputes that marred the relationship between the iconic musician and her former record label.
Zahara, born Bulelwa Mkutukana, soared to fame under TS Records with her hit debut album Loliwe in 2011. However, the glittering success soon became overshadowed by disputes over financial management and royalty payments.
Zahara’s fans now rally, citing these disputes as a catalyst for the boycott, aiming to hold DJ Sbu and TS Records accountable for their alleged role in the hardships Zahara faced during her career.
Central to the fans’ grievances is the alleged financial mismanagement by TS Records, co-owned by DJ Sbu (Sibusiso Leope) and Thembinkosi Nciza.
Zahara had openly accused the label of failing to pay her due royalties, specifically for her successful Loliwe album.
In May 2022, the star took to social media to address her fans about the financial woes she faced. Zahara, who owns one of the most lucrative music catalogues in South Africa, was on the verge of losing her home at the time.
In an interview with Tshisa Live, the musician revealed she was in no financial standing to honour her Nedbank mortgage payments. Her total mortgage debt, Zahara confirmed, totalled R1.6 million at the time, and where she stood, she was unable to meet her monthly instalments of R17 665.
The relationship between Zahara and DJ Sbu, once marked by mutual success, has deteriorated publicly ever since. Zahara’s distress over financial and contractual disagreements with TS Records became a frequent subject in the media. The disputes even teetered on the edge of legal action, as Zahara considered claiming her alleged unpaid royalties through the courts.
Commenters siding with Zahara even went as far as linking her financial troubles to the excessive alcohol abuse that, ultimately, led the singer on her fatal course.
The 35-year-old sighed her last breath next to her fiancé, Mpho Xaba, at a Johannesburg hospital, on Monday evening.
DJ Sbu had not issued a public tribute to Zahara when this article was published.
Here are some of the fiery social media reactions from fans boycotting the producer.
