Dladla Mshunqisi Leaves DJ Tira’s Afrotainment to Launch Mshunqo Records
After a decade of building his name in the Gqom scene, Dladla Mshunqisi is preparing to take control of the next chapter of his career.
The musician has parted ways with DJ Tira’s Afrotainment and is preparing to launch his own record label, Mshunqo Records, marking a significant step in his journey through the South African music industry.
Mshunqisi revealed the development during an interview with a Zulu language newspaper, where he reflected on his 10 years in the Gqom industry and explained why he believes the time is right to build independently.
The musician said he has reached a stage in his career where he feels mature and experienced enough to take greater responsibility for his professional direction.
For Mshunqisi, the move is not about cutting ties with the people who helped establish his career. Instead, he described it as the natural progression of an artist who has grown through years of experience in the industry.
Dladla Mshunqisi and DJ Tira Remain on Good Terms
Mshunqisi also addressed his relationship with DJ Tira following his departure from Afrotainment.
Despite leaving the label, he said there was no bad blood between them and maintained that he continues to respect the veteran producer and businessman.
“It is good. I mean, it is good on my side and I still respect him,” Mshunqisi said.
He credited DJ Tira with playing an important role in his development as an artist, particularly during the years he spent building his career within the industry.
“He is someone I can say played a significant role in helping me mature and grow strong in this industry. There is nothing bad I can say, but I have grown, which is why I am saying it is now time,” he said.
His comments suggest that the split from Afrotainment is being viewed by the artist as a career transition rather than a personal fallout.
Mshunqo Records Set to Be Announced
Although Mshunqisi has revealed his plans, he indicated that an official announcement about Mshunqo Records will follow.
The new company represents his move towards greater independence and control over his music career after spending years operating within an established record label environment.
The launch could also open a new chapter for Mshunqisi as he moves from being an artist under a major industry name to potentially building a platform of his own.
For now, details surrounding the label, including its structure and future plans, have yet to be formally announced.
More Music on the Way
Mshunqisi also had a message for his fans: they should expect plenty of new music.
The Gqom artist promised to release more material as he begins this new phase of his career.
Among the upcoming releases is a collaboration with Beast, continuing a musical partnership that previously produced the popular track “Pukupuku”.
The collaboration gives fans another reason to watch closely as Mshunqisi prepares to establish himself beyond the Afrotainment era.
A New Chapter for the Gqom Veteran
Mshunqisi’s decision comes after 10 years in an industry that has undergone significant changes, particularly within the Gqom movement that helped propel him into the spotlight.
His breakthrough included his involvement in “Omunye”, the major hit by Distruction Boyz on which he was featured, as well as other releases that helped cement his position in the genre.
Now, with Mshunqo Records on the horizon, Mshunqisi is preparing to take on a different role in the music business.
The next stage will test whether the experience he gained over the past decade can translate into success as an independent music entrepreneur.
For the artist, however, the decision appears to be less about looking back and more about recognising that his career has reached a point where he is ready to move forward on his own terms.
