Mduduzi Ncube Breaks Silence on Inkabi Records Exit: ‘The Core Issue Was Money’
For months, speculation has surrounded the sudden departure of singer Mduduzi Ncube from Inkabi Records. Now, the award-winning musician has finally broken his silence, revealing that money was at the heart of the dispute that led him to walk away from the label that helped launch his career.
The singer, best known for the smash hit Dear Ex Yami, has opened up publicly for the first time since leaving Inkabi Records and establishing his own label, Blvck Bird Studios.
In a deeply personal statement shared on social media, Mduduzi laid bare the frustrations and emotional pain he says he experienced behind the scenes, pointing to unresolved royalty concerns and financial disagreements as the primary reasons for his exit.
‘I Do Not Know What Happened to My Royalties’
Mduduzi’s statement painted a picture of an artist carrying years of unanswered questions.
Reflecting on his journey, he expressed heartbreak over money he claims never reached him despite the success of his music.
“What good will it do to share my side of the story? I do not even know what happened to the royalties for my song ‘Dear Ex’, but I will not let this go. It is incredibly painful to work hard for money you never see, or to simply have it taken away from you.”
The singer said there were numerous grievances that contributed to the breakdown of the relationship, but stressed that financial issues remained the central source of conflict.
‘The Truth Must Come to Light’
Despite the public scrutiny that followed his departure, Mduduzi said he had remained largely silent while being labelled a liar by some critics.
However, he felt compelled to explain his position.
“I worked hard at the main household (the record label), and I truly appreciate the exposure, love and support they invested in growing the name Mduduzi Ncube,” he wrote.
The musician also took time to acknowledge Inkabi Records founder Big Zulu, thanking him for believing in his talent and helping him build a successful career.
“I remain forever grateful to my elder brother Big Zulu for giving me strength and believing in my talent.”
Yet beneath the gratitude, he said, was deep emotional pain.
“The core issue that caused our dispute and disagreement was money. I do not wish to dwell too deeply on it, but the truth must come to light.”
Mduduzi added that while the situation has hurt him deeply, he continues to put on a brave face for fans and supporters.
“I am deeply hurt, but no one will notice because I choose to smile and brush it off.”
Big Zulu Responds to Fallout Claims
As questions about the breakdown of the relationship continued to dominate conversations among fans, Big Zulu also addressed the matter publicly.
Speaking on Gagasi FM, the Inkabi Records founder said he was not fully aware of what caused the fallout between himself and Mduduzi.
Importantly, Big Zulu dismissed suggestions of personal hostility between the two artists.
He said there is no bad blood or animosity and emphasised that the respect they have for one another remains intact.
According to Big Zulu, their personal relationship remains strong despite the business split, and he believes there is still room for future collaborations.
His comments are likely to reassure fans who have closely followed the pair’s successful musical partnership over the years.
A New Chapter for Both Sides
With Mduduzi now focusing on building Blvck Bird Studios, both parties appear determined to move forward.
For Inkabi Records, the transition has already begun. The label recently welcomed new artist Fanatic SA to strengthen its active roster following Mduduzi’s departure.
Meanwhile, Mduduzi is charting his own path, determined to build a future on his own terms while continuing to seek answers regarding the royalties and financial concerns he says remain unresolved.
His latest revelations have offered the clearest insight yet into one of South Africa’s most talked-about music industry departures, shining a spotlight on the financial realities that can often exist behind the glamour of success.
