For weeks, Maskandi music fraternity has been asking themselves why all songs from Sminofu’s 2025 Ngabe Ngiloyiwe album were removed from Youtube.
It has since emerged that the contractual dispute Between Sminofu whose real name is Mphile “Sminofu” Gumede from Hluhluwe in the far North of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and his Manager Celimpilo “Matshitshi” Manyathi is the reason his music was removed from all music platforms.
According to reliable sources, Sminofu who has since changed his name to “Smiramira” is facing a tough battle under Manyathi who demanded that he receives 50% from his booking fees.
The sources told MDNtv that before Sminofu released his album in December, Manyathi amended his management contract and demanded 50% for billing fee and informed him that his booking rate was now going to be R45000.
“The contract did not make sense at all. Matshitshi was being a bully and wanted Sminofu to slave for him. This is the painful thing that many maskandi artists are facing. This meant that in every gig that Sminofu gets, Matshitshi takes home R22500. This is daylight robbery. It was very painful to see them fight like that and the fight nearly endef badly as threats were mentioned,” the first source said.
Another source said that Manyathi decided not take Sminofu’s bookings in December.
“This is the reason why Sminofu had few higs. The person who was supposed to take his bookings ad his manager was noy seeing eye-to-eye with him which made it impossible for him to get gigs. This is the sad reality for maskandi artists to be abused in such a manner. The situation he is facing is exactly the same that was faced by Menzi when he was under Insika Music,” the source said.
Another source said that Celimpilo’s brother Bongani who used to Manage Maskandi Legends Shwi noMtekhala tried to intervene but there is still no solution.
“Other maskandi managers tried in vain to intervene and find a solution to this matter but all parties involved failed to find s solution. We feel for Sminofu because he is talented and he trusted Matshitshi but he became greedy and saw a cashcow in him. Many people who have worked with Matshitshi jumped because of his greediness. Sminofu must open his own label like Menzi, Ntencane and others and be independent,” the source said.
Another third source familiar with this matter alleges that Sminofu was back in studio working on another album to release it on Easter Weekend.
When Sminofu was contacted for contacted for he said: “Hhaibo! Where did you get all that information? No comment for now bafo.”
When Manyathi was contacted for comment he said: “Sminofu just texted me , unfortunately will not entertain you.”
Sminofu’s legal team sent MDNtv a statement where they confirmed the ongoing allegations.
“We sincerely appreciate and thank you for your concern and your positive reporting on Sminofu. Your support means a great deal to us.
“At this stage, the Sminofu matter is now a legal issue and is being handled through the appropriate legal channels. We kindly ask for your understanding as we allow the process to take its course.
In the meantime, please let the fans know that Sminofu is currently in the studio working hard and promises a hot new album. We are excited about what’s coming next.
We will communicate further details in due time regarding the sudden name change and share more about the plans for the future,” the letter reads.