They have had an ongoing court battle with former record label Ambitiouz Entertainment after they filed an urgent court application against the label for taking down their music from digital platforms following a fallout. This comes after they took a leap of faith and left the label without renewing their contract. Award-winning group Blaq Diamond members Ndumiso "Ndu Brown" Mdletshe and Sphelele "Danya" Dunywa announced that the Johannesburg High Court has ruled in their favour.
A WIN!
The duo says they are grateful for the support. "Today is 12 June, we have incredible news. We just came from the court." They thank their team and appreciated their help and people's support through it all. "We came back with a win. This is a game changer for the music industry, especially for those artists that sign contracts that are not okay and fair." Ndu Brown says. "We would drop music and our previous label would go out on YouTube and try to take down the music," Danya says, adding that they have learned so much from this experience.
MORE CASES
A few years ago, singer Amanda Black also won her case against the controversial label after she accused them of exploitation and refusing to pay what was due to her. Rapper Mthembeni "Emtee" Ndevu also left the label on rocky conditions and vowed to never work with them again, despite the label boss confirming to ZiMoja that they have been in talks, looking to mend things. The label has lost over eight artists who left due to "exploitation". Artists Fifi Cooper, B3nchmarq, Saudi, and Miss Pru DJ left the label. Recently Bokang Malule, also known as Malome Vector took the label to court over the song titled Ya Costa. Malome Vector dumped the label last year following the exit of Blaq Diamond and Intaba Yase Dubai. He released the single titled Ya Costa and Ambitiouz also released the same song claiming it as their own.
The label has written in a statement that they accept the courts judgement and respect the decision made by the law but will continue copyright and ownership disputes.
MORE BATTLES
Not long ago, ZiMoja reported that Ndu Brown allegedly took down music by newcomer Sbahle Cele from all digital platforms who was signed to their label, Umuthi Records 2000. Sbahle was the first artist to be signed to their label in 2020 and released popular songs Emlanjeni, Ipiki, and Ubani Owayazi. In an open letter directed to Ndu Brown on her Instagram, Sbahle wrote: "I have been quiet for a long time now. It is about time I become independent. I have been a victim for too long and I thought things would change. Right now, I'm torn apart." A source close to both musicians told ZiMoja that Blaq Diamond decided to take down Sbahle's music because she decided to walk away from her contract with Umuthi Records. "She is no longer happy working at Umuthi Records. She felt that Blaq Diamond did not care about her and her music as they put more focus on their brand. She blames Ndu Brown because he is the one who called her when she was still in KZN and promised her heaven and earth." The source added that Ndu Brown did not check on Sbahle or buy her groceries as promised when they took her from KZN. "They only did that for a few months and when they were travelling, they just let her be. When Sbahle broke into the music scene, her bookings were handled at Ambitiouz. I think she is a victim of the nasty break-up between Ambitiouz and Blaq Diamond. They don't want anything to do with that label and her association with it disgusts them," the insider said. Responding to the claims, Ndu Brown said that Sbahle has not been their artist for more than a year and that she is currently signed to Ambitiouz Entertainment. "The label she is signed to is using her to fight their own battles with us. As you all know we left the same label in 2021. I know and understand that Sibahle wouldn't do this, she knows the truth."
