Ambitiouz Entertainment is a South African music company that has been embroiled in controversy since its inception in 2015. Over the years, more than 14 artists have left the label, including A-Reece, Fifi Cooper, Amanda Black, Emtee, B3nchmarq, Sjava, Saudi, Miss Pru, City Lyts, Londie London, Intaba Yase Dubai, Blaq Diamond, Lunatic Beat, Malome Vector, and most recently, Cici. These departures, coupled with allegations of financial struggles and legal disputes, have cast a shadow over the label.
S’Villa’s Battle with Ambitiouz
One of the latest artists to leave Ambitiouz is S’Villa, a singer and producer who has expressed his intention to depart. S’Villa claims that the label is refusing to release his music, despite having three albums contracted between 2017 and 2021. He further alleges that his contract expired in 2021, but Ambitiouz has extended it using a clause, binding him for another four years. To cut ties and move on with his career, S’Villa plans to argue in court that the label has wasted his time, with the help of a legal team.
Ambitiouz’s Management Responds
Ambitiouz Entertainment’s management has not remained silent in these conflicts. The company’s boss, Kgosi Mahumapelo, reportedly demands repayment of every cent invested in S’Villa. For other artists, court battles and dissatisfaction have been a common theme upon leaving the label.
Blaq Diamond’s Legal Victory
A recent victory occurred for the music group Blaq Diamond, consisting of Ndumiso “Ndu Browns” Mdletshe and Siphelele “Danya Devs” Dunywa, when they succeeded in interdicting YouTube and Ambitiouz Entertainment from deleting their music off the platform. The South Gauteng High Court ordered Ambitiouz to pay all costs related to the interdict filed by the group last year. This legal success came after Ambitiouz removed the hit song “Qoma” from YouTube, claiming copyright infringement. Moving forward, Blaq Diamond’s lawyer, Jade Louella Naidoo, aims to declare their contracts with Ambitiouz invalid and unconstitutional due to their exploitative nature.
Legal Dispute with Malome Vector
Furthermore, Lesotho-born musician Malome Vector has taken Ambitiouz to court over a song titled “Ya Costa.” These legal disputes and allegations of exploitation have fueled speculation over the label’s financial struggles, with some reports claiming that the company owes months of salaries to its employees.
Ambitiouz’s Future and the Broader Issue
Despite these challenges, Ambitiouz Entertainment remains a significant player in the South African music scene. The label has been responsible for launching the careers of several talented artists, earning a reputation for discovering and nurturing promising performers. However, as the list of artists departing the label continues to grow, it is evident that Ambitiouz must address the concerns of its talent if it hopes to maintain its status in the industry.
Artists’ grievances with Ambitiouz Entertainment seem to highlight a broader issue within the music business – the balance of power between labels and talent. As more artists speak out about their experiences with Ambitiouz, it is essential to consider whether this controversy represents an isolated case or a symptom of a more pervasive issue in the industry. The future of Ambitiouz Entertainment remains uncertain, but as the company navigates through these legal disputes and artist departures, it serves as a cautionary tale for others in the music business.
