Makhadzi Zimbabwean producer Mr Brown forced out of SA by Home Affairs
In an unexpected turn of events, the Home Affairs department has ordered the immensely brilliant producer Lynol Siwela, better known as Mr Brown, to leave South Africa and return to his native Zimbabwe for failing to renew his work permit.
Producer Blames Open Mic For Delaying His Visa Renewal
Confirming the situation, Mr Brown admitted to exceeding his authorized stay in South Africa by a month. He revealed that he had relied on his former label, Open Mic, to assist him in resolving the matter.
“It’s not a big deal, really. I overstayed for a month. I was supposed to renew my work permit but didn’t get a chance. I was staying in SA legally, I even have a wife and a child on the way,” he says.
Recalling his encounter with ZiMoja, Mr Brown shared the story of being stopped at the border gate upon his return from Botswana.
“I went out to Botswana then on my way back I was stopped. I was alone. My only issue was that the label was supposed to help me to sort the matter in three days but they said it was too costly to pay my lawyer and I was sent back home. I overstayed and I was then supposed to appeal but I didn’t and that is how I was refused entry back to South Africa,” Mr Brown said.
Mr Brown Delays Returning To SA After Being Forced To Return To Zimbabwe
He further revealed that he could return to South Africa at his discretion but was purposefully delaying his comeback. Mr Brown expressed his intention to wait until the conflict between Makhadzi and Open Mic subsides before setting foot in South Africa again.
“To be honest, I am avoiding the drama that is currently happening between Makhadzi and Open Mic. I don’t want to be seen as taking sides or be caught in the crossfire, so I want to stay in Zim until the dust settles,” Mr Brown said.
Similar to Makhadzi, Mr Brown disclosed that he never received a contract from Open Mic. Although he initially signed for a three-year term, he ended up remaining with the label for a staggering seven years.
Despite the circumstances, Mr Brown expressed that his time spent in Zimbabwe over the past month has been productive, allowing him to accomplish more work than he would have in South Africa.
He also shared that he is still collaborating with Open Mic and has upcoming tours in the UK scheduled for June, July, and August, all facilitated by the label. Mr Brown remains hopeful that by then, the dispute between Makhadzi and Open Mic will have been resolved.
