Former TS Records artists Robbie Malinga and ProKid.
Images via Instagram: @robbiemalinga/ @mrcashtime
Not just Zahara: The tragic demises of these former TS Records artists
Zahara was one of several former TS Records artists – owned by DJ Sbu and TK Nciza – who sadly died after successful music careers.
Former TS Records artists Robbie Malinga and ProKid.
Images via Instagram: @robbiemalinga/ @mrcashtime
Zahara’s tragic and untimely death has brought to light her struggles with former record label TS Records, co-owned by DJ Sbu and TK Nciza.
This after the singer – real name Bulelwa Mkutukana – repeatedly claimed that her former music bosses allegedly owed her “millions” in unpaid royalties, record sales and performances, particularly from her debut album Loliwe.
The award-winning performer died on Monday evening after a long battle with liver complications. She was just 36 years old.
ALSO READ: ‘Had the same contract’: Toya DeLazy hints at being ‘exploited’ like Zahara
ZAHARA MEMORIAL: TK NCIZA, DJ SBU ATTEND
On Thursday, 14 December, Zahara’s memorial service took place at the Rhema Bible Church in Johannesburg.
Despite social media backlash, DJ Sbu and TK Nciza attended the service. TS Records closed in 2017, and since then, both Nciza and Sbu have repeatedly denied Zahara’s claims.
Speaking during the service, Nciza claimed that he and Zahara were on “good terms” at the time of her death. He said: “What I know is that when she passed on, we were in a good space because we knew what we meant to each other.
ALSO READ: Hypocrite? Somizi reminded over ‘Zahara at the bar’ joke [watch]
“We both know what we have done and achieved together. We stood the test of time and brought great things to South Africans, and they celebrated what we did. It healed people.”
Sbu – who, in previous interviews this week, claimed that Zahara had been paid directly for her royalties. He also claimed that she owned her own music publishing.
He told the SABC: “We had great moments; she was like my younger sister. Zahara’s album, you would find out the whole album was nice.
“People are blaming me; I understand the anger, as it’s a loss to us all. We lost someone we love”.
MORE TS RECORDS ARTISTS
Meanwhile, X users are commenting about other TS Records artists who were seemingly cut a raw deal.
Outspoken media personality Ntsiki Mazwai tweeted: “Please, someone explain to me how ALL the artists at TS died broke or never got as rich as TK and Sbu?”.
ALSO READ: Hypocrite? Somizi reminded over ‘Zahara at the bar’ joke [watch]
Another added: “Why is it that most of these artists became destitute in the end?”
Here are four other artists who were signed to the label
Brown Dash
Brown Dash – real name Siphiwe Mpamile – died in Johannesburg’s Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in 2012 after suffering an unknown illness.
According to The Witness, the Kwaito artist parted ways with TS Records in 2007 on bitter terms. According to the late artist himself, he was allegedly owed money for past gigs.
ALSO READ: Hypocrite? Somizi reminded over ‘Zahara at the bar’ joke [watch]
ProKid
Rapper ProKid – real name Linda Mkhize – died of a seizure in 2018.
In 2020 – his brother, DJ Citi Lyts – tweeted that TS Records had not given Prokid’s family his masters. This, despite DJ Sbu claiming the label had done so after the star’s death.
In 2022, Citi Lights was gunned down in Soweto in a hail of bullets. His killers have yet to be arrested.
ALSO READ: Modern-day Brenda Fassie? Uncanny similarities between Zahara and ‘MaBrrr’
Robbie Malinga
In 2017, singer Robbie Malinga died on Christmas Day after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Last month, his widow Ann claimed she was struggling to secure the later star’s royalties from TS Records, reported Zimoja.
However, according to the publication, TK Nciza’s legal representatives rubbished the claims, insisting all monies had been paid up.
ALSO READ: ‘May her soul haunt you’: Zahara fans call for DJ Sbu boycott
Brickz
Unlike the artists, Kwaito star Brickz – real name Sipho Ndlovu – is alive and kicking.
However, the star is currently currently serving 15 years behind bars after being found guilty of raping his then 16-year-old niece at his Ruimsig home in 2013.
