She was once Gqom music royalty. She brought the country some of the biggest songs in the country including Fakaza and Iscathulo. But things don't seem to be going well for Durban-based artist Thobeka "Tipcee' Ndaba after leaving DJ Tira's label Afrotainment, which built her from the ground up.

TOUGH TIMES

The artist left Afrotainment management under the wing of Mthokozisi 'DJ Tira' Khathi to pursue her career as an independent artist.While she thought this was a good business move, her decision seems to be full of regrets. According to a close friend, "Tipcee left because she wasn't feeling appreciated, and she wanted to teach them a lesson. She felt she was invisible, and she could do it on her own, forgetting that the music industry is not easy,' the friend tells ZiMoja."It's very difficult to get bookings and worse if you are not in Tira's corner.' The friend says Tipcee left Afrotainment in 2022 and has been managing her own gigs, music, and recordings. "She is now learning how much admin goes into building an artist and how much costs are involved. Yes, she might be seeing all the money from bookings, but the bookings are few and far between.' The friend says this is costing her a lot and giving her a bad reputation. 

NOT BOOKED AND NOT BUSY

 Earlier this year, Tipcee was involved in a booking scandal where a promoter named Sibongile "Zykes' Magida allegedly paid her R7500 deposit from her R15 000 fee to host her birthday party at the Underground Pub in the Eastern Cape. Tipcee was meant to bring some of her friends from Afrotainment, but after getting the balance, she never arrived for the gig. Sizwe Mdlalose, Sparks Wabantwana, and Costa Dollah who were meant toa ttend with her knew nothing about the booking.

BORROWING MONEY

?Another close friend of the fading vocalist says, "People are starting to talk about her borrowing money from friends and family. She doesn't have a cent, she is borrowing R2000 from people. I am worried because when she was good, she took care of people and gave them money but now that it is her turn, people are quick to gossip about how she is borrowing money. She is a mom after all and needs to keep her dignity intact.' DJ Tira tells ZiMoja that indeed Tipcee left Afrotainment, "But I cannot disclose any further details. She is still my sister.' Tipcee refused to comment.