Mabala Noise: Why would artists sell their soul for R5 million?

Following EFF leader Julius Malema's damning claims that Mabala Noise is a money laundering business gaining tenders from the government, the record label has called an urgent press conference.

Mabala Noise Entertainment co-founders DJ Bongz and Reggie Nkabinde during a press conference. Photo by Gallo Images / Frennie Shivambu

Flamboyant Mabala Noise owner and CEO, Reggie Nkabinde, branded Malema’s claims as false, stating his company is independently owned and has no affiliation to the government.

Thirty-two year-old Nkabinde bore the brunt of Malema’s fiestiness when the firebrand leader told the media Nkabinde’s record label was merely a front used to mask the millions in tenders it had received from Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane.

#MabalaNoise Nkabinde: Mabala Noise is not doing business with government. It is not even intending doing business with government. #NM

— The Citizen News (@TheCitizen_News) August 8, 2016

Malema further claimed the 12 artists recently signed to Mabala Noise – Riky Rick, Gigi La Mayne, Major League DJs, Zola, Zakwe and others – had each received a R5 million payment to join the label. He questioned why artists would sell their souls for that amount.

At the press conference held in Johannesburg, Nkabinde refuted allegations that his company was a tender beneficiary. He said it was a lie that artists had received millions. According to Nkabinde, Riky Rick charged R65 000 per gig and was a hardworking artist.

“We will continue ensuring the African child prospers. We’re not going to let anyone insult African companies,” he said.

He added the record label was funded by his own businesses and anyone seeking proof of Malema’s allegations should approach him.

#MabalaNoise Nkabinde says taking legal action against Julius Malema is a waste of time. "Julius like being in jail." #NM

— The Citizen News (@TheCitizen_News) August 8, 2016

On Malema’s dare to sue him, Nkabinde said he was still consulting his legal team but believed it would be a waste of time as Malema had “grown up in jail”.

Reaction to the Mabala Noise press conference was mainly negative on social media.

Nkabinde should've never called for apress conference. He is bringing trouble upon himself. Haha…now he will be investigated! #MabalaNoise

— Bells Bodarenko (@BellsBodarenko) August 8, 2016