Artists Bheki "JustBheki" Shabalala, DJ Mr. X as well as Ezee "Ma-E" Hanabe who has been with Ntokozo "K.O" Mdluli's company Skhandaworld for more than a decade have been let go by the label. The artists released some of their biggest hits under K.O.'s wing and have worked together in becoming stars.

PARTING WAYS

The record label, which had partnered with Universal Musi has since let go of veteran rapper Ma-E and label newbies JustBheki and DJ Mr. X. In a statement sent to ZiMoja by Skhandaworld in conjunction with Universal Music, the companies did not go into details as to the reasons behind the contract termination. "Skhandaworld in partnership with Universal Music South Africa has mutually agreed to part ways with the following artists; Ma-E, JustBheki and DJ Mr. X. This announcement comes after the joint record labels have met and mutually agreed with the artists that they are to be relieved of their contractual commitments to the labels," the statement reads.

WELL WISHES

THE label showed gratitude for the hard work the artists put in. "The joint labels sincerely appreciate all the work that Ma E, JustBheki, and DJ Mr. X have contributed to the local music industry throughout the years that they have been signed to the joint venture," the company goes on to say. "We would like to wish all of the abovementioned artists nothing but immense success in their respective careers, may they continue to spread their wings and exceed the limitations of the sky."

NO BEEF

Skhandaworld was founded by KO and long-time manager and business partner, Tsholofelo Moremedi." The brand is a conceptual record label, which entails of a clothing brand. Skhanda music, according to the founder is a mixture of kwaito music and hip hop. Previously signed to the label were Nomuzi Maben, Kid-X, and Loki to name a few. According to an insider, K.O himself is not signed to Skhandaworld but is the label owner. "The artists are signed to Skhanda. If he were also signed to his own label, he was probably going to let himself go as well." K.O tells ZiMoja that there is no bad blood between him and the artists. "It was a business decision. Universal Music Group finances Skhandaworld and it was a joint decision. Ma-E is my brother. These are my brothers, we will always be good and we will continue to work together."