Emtee,Ambitiouz In Possible Reunion
In the last nine years since its existence, they have signed over 30 artists and changed the lives of young, talented and aspiring artists. With the great work, they have done to make a solid impact in the South African music industry climate, they have also made friends and foes. Since founded by businessman Kgosi Mahumapelo in 2015, Ambitiouz Entertainment first has lost over 14 artists to date, most of whom left disgruntled. One of the artists who called them out on “exploitation” was rapper Mthembeni “Emtee” Ndevu, who for years cried about the company’s “shady” contracts and dealings. But in the years, they have made peace and he is said to have gone back to the label to talk business.
THE MASS EXODUS
ZiMoja recently reported that Ambitiouz Entertainment was at war with their former artist and Lesotho-born rapper Malome Vector, real name Bokang Malule, over a song titled Ya Costa. Malome Vector is now taking Ambitiouz Entertainment to court over his clearance. He dumped Ambitiouz following the exit of award-winning group Blaq Diamond and Intaba Yase Dubai. “The problem with Ambitiouz owner (Kgosi Mahumapelo) is that he is trying by all means not to see every artist that has been on the stable move forward. Malome left because he felt neglected and not recognised by the company as they kept fighting Intaba YaseDubai and Blaq Diamond. He was poorly marketed and at the same time he felt that the company should have used all the money and resources to take him to another level,” an insider told ZiMoja. The company also lost Saudi, Miss Pru, City Lyts, Amanda Black, Lunatic Beat, Sjava, and Fifi Cooper to name a few.
WALKING AWAY
After a highly publicised split, Emtee spoke openly about starting to get frustrated with the label after he overworked himself, performing as many as six gigs in one night, for a standard salary at the end of the month. The rapper announced that he was planning to leave his record label Ambitiouz Entertainment in June 2019, posting the hashtag #FreeEmtee on Twitter. According to an insider, Emtee has contacted the label to make a mend. “They are in talks about having him back at the label, but nothing has been concluded,” the source says. “The label is not desperate; they are still staying afloat despite the negative publicity. The talks have been happening, but nothing has been concluded on whether Emtee will be working with them again.”
WHAT AMBITIOUZ SAYS
The founder of Ambitiouz Entertainment tells ZiMoja that the label and Emtee have always had a “cordial and respectful relationship behind closed doors despite what has been perceived publicly,” he says. “So, claims of possible meetings between the parties are not surprising,” Kgosi says. “Emtee is a successful businessman in his own right and claims that he seeks to relive the success or to join hands with the team that was responsible for his highest level of success might not be far-fetched. But since every possible negotiation is protected by confidentiality, we choose neither to deny nor confirm the rumours.”
