Latest news with #AwkwardDates
The Citizen
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Lasizwe cuts ties with MultiChoice amid podcast payment dispute
Lasizwe's podcast, Awkward Dates, was among eight original shows announced by MultiChoice in March this year to air on its DStv platforms. Media personality and YouTuber Thulasizwe 'Lasizwe' Dambuza has reportedly parted ways with MultiChoice. This follows a dispute involving unpaid fees and an alleged breach of agreement with social media influencer Dominic Zaca. Lasizwe's podcast, Awkward Dates, was among eight original shows announced by MultiChoice in March this year to air on its DStv platforms. However, according to City Press the collaboration has allegedly collapsed due to controversy over guest compensation. Zaca took to TikTok, accusing Lasizwe and his team of airing her episode on television without her consent. Zaca claimed their agreement restricted distribution to social media platforms only. 'Lasizwe Dambuza, would you and your team like to pay me for breaching the contract we had? 'You guys breached a verbal contract, you breached a written contract, and I don't know what contract you gave to MultiChoice. I would think that MultiChoice would not air my episode, knowing full well that I did not sign that contract in full agreement.' Zaca alleged that the production team and Lasizwe had ignored attempts to resolve the matter privately. 'I've been trying to settle this privately with emails and phone calls, but you're just ignoring me. Unfortunately, my job is my face, my voice, and my body — that's how I support my family, so you are basically using me.' ALSO READ: Sizwe Dhlomo declines LaSizwe's 'Awkward Dates' invite Lasizwe's subtle response Meanwhile, Lasizwe appeared to dismiss the claims during a recent episode of his YouTube show Drink or Tell the Truth, implying he does not owe Zaca. When guest Cyan Boujee asked Lasizwe how much he owed Zaca, he responded dismissively: 'Who's that?' He then asked Cyan how much she believed he owed Zaca, since she had also featured on Awkward Dates. Cyan replied that he owed her nothing, to which Lasizwe said, 'Thank you,' before moving on from the topic. NOW READ: Boitshepo Lamola to fly SA flag at Miss Grand International 2025 in Bangkok
News24
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Controversy forces Lasizwe Dambuza and MultiChoice to split and take Awkward Dates off air
Lasizwe Dambuza has parted ways with MultiChoice, reportedly due to drama surrounding guest payments and contract disputes. Dambuza allegedly prioritised his mental health and chose to end the contract to avoid further stress and drama. Following the separation, Dambuza is focusing on his YouTube content, working on more episodes for his show Awkward Dates. South African social media personality and prolific YouTuber Lasizwe Dambuza has cut ties with MultiChoice. The separation comes after the broadcaster parted ways with Macgyver 'MacG' Mukwevho last month following his controversial and unsavoury comments about media personality Minnie Dlamini on his Podcast and Chill programme. While one source claims Dambuza chose to leave, another source suggests MultiChoice decided to terminate their partnership. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lasizwe (@lasizwe) In March, Dambuza was one of eight content creators and podcasters announced to have partnered with MultiChoice to bring a fresh wave of energy to DStv channels. The partnership aimed to create programming with content that resonated with the youth. The 26-year-old's YouTube show, Awkward Dates, took over the 9pm slot on Saturdays, starting in April. However, things didn't go as planned for the show, which was nominated for an SA Film and Television Award. Sources close to the matter have informed City Press that Awkward Dates will soon be removed from DStv. This decision reportedly follows the claim that some guests demanded to be paid. According to insiders, these guests claim they only agreed to appear on YouTube and other social media platforms, not mainstream TV. This situation allegedly forced Dambuza and MultiChoice to terminate their contract to avoid further conflict. A source said Dambuza decided to cut ties. 'When the drama started, Lasizwe panicked and voluntarily decided to end his contract with MultiChoice. He has been open about his mental health issues, so when the drama happened, he chose his peace. He could have chosen to ignore the drama and let it die down because he had done things right contractually, but he just wanted out,' said the source. The source claimed that Dambuza had all his ducks in a row, but it was a pity that the noise from his guests was too loud to ignore. Another insider said when Awkward Dates landed the television deal it attracted negativity on social media, as some guests thought that Dambuza made more money on TV than he did on YouTube. Broadcasters don't respond well to negativity, said the insider. There was almost a dark cloud because every time an episode would air, someone would contact MultiChoice to say they did not know that their episode would be on TV. Because of that friction, all parties decided it was not worth it and parted ways. The separation was mutual. Source The source added: 'There were conversations between Lasizwe and MultiChoice, but, because the issue could not be resolved with the guests, [they had to let it go]. Even if Lasizwe wanted to continue, it's not like he had resolved the issue.' According to the source's understanding, the guests were not paid for their appearances in the YouTube episodes, and they signed release forms only for their episodes to air on that platform, but Awkward Dates was licensed by MultiChoice. Some of the guests felt cheated and tricked, said the source. 'They thought that Lasizwe and his team knew that the show was not going to only be online. They thought that Lasizwe always had plans to sell it. These influencers know each other, and they are friends; they were going to influence one another behind the scenes, so it was going to be tricky.' City Press understands that Dambuza welcomed the separation and was going to focus on his mental health and work on more episodes for YouTube. Public confrontation Content creator Dominic Zaca was among the most vocal critics, taking their concerns to social media. Zaca called out Dambuza and his team for allegedly contravening contracts. Zaca's episode aired in June last year on Dambuza's channel and was reportedly the first to air on Mzansi Magic in April. The content creator went on to claim that Dambuza and his team knew his worth and that was why his episode was the first they aired as soon as they got an opportunity to be on TV. Zaca said they tried resolving the matter with Dambuza and his team, but they pushed them from pillar to post. Zaca said they decided to take the matter to social media because they were ignored privately. 'What I understand [is that] you guys breached a verbal contract. You breached a written contract. And I don't know what contract you gave to MultiChoice because I would think that MultiChoice would not air my episode knowing full well that I did not sign that contract in full agreement,' said Zaca. The content creator continued, saying that Dambuza's personal assistant acknowledged that they went against the contract, apologised and promised to fix things. Zaca said that, after that promise, the personal assistant began to dodge them. So, between the production company and MultiChoice, who is keeping my money and not giving me my money? Who is withholding the apology that I rightfully deserve? Who between the three stakeholders involved in this thing decided that, no, let's go against the contract we signed with Dominic and the verbal [agreement] we have and air the episode? Dominic Zaca When asked for comment, MultiChoice said: 'MultiChoice has licensed a slate of podcasts from Leading Edge Growth. While MultiChoice reserves the right to review all content in line with its editorial policy, Leading Edge Growth is responsible for curating the podcast slate, taking into account audience dynamics and content demand.' Dambuza asked to be sent questions, but he had not replied by the time of publication.
The Citizen
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Sizwe Dhlomo snubs Lasizwe's 'Awkward Dates' invite
'Awkward Dates' follows Lasizwe as he navigates a series of blind dates with various celebrities. Radio personality Sizwe Dhlomo sparked mixed reactions after declining Lasizwe's invite to appear on his Awkward Dates YouTube show. Lasizwe took a chance and invited Sizwe after a fan expressed interest in seeing him on the show. Turning Lasizwe down, the Kaya FM presenter said he does not do interviews. He added: 'Good show though. If ever I have something to promote one day, I'll hit you up. Keep up the good work.' Sizwe instead suggested that Lasizwe come to his workplace to shadow him for a week. 'Don't bring cameras, but you can shadow me for a full week. I'll give you a breakdown of how to move in the game. That's if you'll find that kind of info useful. Your choice,' Sizwe tweeted. Sizwe's suggestion did not sit well with some netizens, who found it condescending and arrogant. Others, however, said this would be a great opportunity for Lasizwe. Here are a few reactions from X: Manje you being egotistic.. You having a big head this a L take — Gaahd Zillahhh (@YoungKxnggg) June 9, 2025 Opportunity of a lifetime😭😭🙏 June 8, 2025 ALSO READ: Sizwe Dhlomo apologises for not knowing the 'Messi of radio' Lasizwe manifesting his dream guests A few days ago, Lasizwe took to social media to celebrate after securing one of his dream guests for Awkward Dates, asking fans to guess who it was. While many speculated that it might be media personality Bonang Matheba, he later revealed it was former Miss South Africa and Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi. Lasizwe had previously shared on Instagram that he is manifesting to have Bonang, Tyla, Zozi, Uncle Waffles, and actor Thembinkosi Mthembu as guests on his show. NOW READ: Chicken feet and champions: Kolisi, Mapimpi and Am enjoy Mzansi's fave dish
IOL News
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Sizwe Dhlomo says ‘No' to Lasizwe Dambuza's 'Awkward Dates': is he playing hard to get?
Sizwe Dhlomo's polite refusal to appear on Lasizwe Dambuza's YouTube show, 'Awkward Dates', has ignited discussions on social media. Image: File image South African media personality Sizwe Dhlomo has turned down an invitation to appear on Lasizwe Dambuza's popular YouTube show, "Awkward Dates". The request came after a fan expressed excitement about seeing Dhlomo as a guest on this wildly entertaining platform, known for its unfiltered displays of awkwardness and humorous moments. The suggestion gained momentum when the show's creator, Dambuza, seized the opportunity presented by a fan on X. The user, known as @Sereng_K, voiced their enthusiasm for Dhlomo's appearance, prompting Dambuza to extend a personal invitation. 'That would be so cool hey! @SizweDhlomo can I take you out on a date, I promise it won't be awkward?' he wrote, trying to charm a response from the seasoned presenter. However, Dhlomo's reply was both straightforward and polite, as he told Dambuza, 'Nah, I don't do interviews bro. Good show though. If ever I have something to promote one day, I'll hit you up. Keep up the good work.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Nah, I don't do interviews bro. Good show though. If ever I have something to promote one day, I'll hit you up. Keep up the good work. — Sizwe Dhlomo (@SizweDhlomo) June 7, 2025 This response, while polite, sparked a wave of reactions from social media users who began to dissect Dhlomo's rationale behind declining the invitation. Critics quickly pointed out that the star has recently been featured on interviews for platforms like 'Podcast and Chill' and the 'L-Tido Podcast', leading to contrasting opinions on his decision to remain detached from "Awkward Dates". One user commented, 'But Sizwe, you will just be acting, come on ... you don't have to tell the truth about your life. You keep it at 16% and make everything up there at the date.' Meanwhile, others questioned the fairness of his stance, suggesting that waiting to appear only when promoting something diminishes engagement with fans. 'Is it fair to only want to go when promoting something?' asked another user, while a more understanding fan added, 'I hardly agree with Sizwe but, well handled my brother. You'd be dragged had you said 'No, thank you'. We live on eggshells these days.' Meanwhile, Dambuza has been busy fulfilling his aspirations by inviting an exciting line-up of celebrity guests to his show. Last month, he took to Instagram to share his dream list, which included names like television personality Bonang Matheba, Grammy winner Tyla, and former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi. Notably, Tunzi has already accepted the invitation and appeared in a recent episode two weeks back, delighting audiences with their engaging chemistry.
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘Absolutely not': MacG denies DStv axe linked to alleged industry plot against him
A few weeks ago, MacG alleged that a WhatsApp group of celebrities — including Cassper Nyovest — was plotting his downfall. MacG says he doesn't believe his axe from DStv is part of an industry ploy to take him down. Picture: macgunleashed/Instagram Controversial broadcaster and entrepreneur Macgyver 'MacG' Mukwevho doesn't believe his axe from Dstv is part of an industry ploy to take him down. 'No, absolutely not. DStv has been a great partner throughout this process. They've backed what we're doing from the beginning,' MacG told The Citizen on Monday. Over the weekend, DStv's digital distribution partner, Leading Edge Growth, confirmed that DStv has removed MacG's Podcast and Chill from all its TV channels. 'Season one of Podcast and Chill and season one of Awkward Dates are nearing their final episodes in the coming weeks, making way for fresh and exciting content to take their place in these time slots,' said Leading Edge Growth CEO Lufuno Maliavusa. A few weeks ago, speaking on Podcast and Chill, MacG said there was a WhatsApp group of celebrities and other industry players, including Cassper Nyovest, which is planning his downfall. ALSO READ: DStv cuts ties with MacG's Podcast and Chill No connection to the group MacG said he learnt of the group's existence through a female friend of his. 'She's part of a group of celebrities, and apparently Cassper's in this group. Where they are literally plotting my demise, bro,' said MacG, telling his co-host, Sol Phenduka. MacG provided a screenshot of the alleged group and also shared that he has met some of its members. 'I remember there's a guy in this group who I met at the garage, and I was like 'yo, what up man' he said 'yo man, [I] love your sh*t…' but he's in this group saying sh*t about me,' expressed MacG. However, speaking to The Citizen on Monday, MacG said his split from DStv has no connection to the alleged plot, adding that he and DStv have a partnership. 'They believe in the vision and the idea that we can exist side by side and create something meaningful together. It's a real partnership,' said MacG. ALSO READ: MacG says his partnership with MultiChoice is 'a natural evolution' despite it being criticised as a lazy move by the broadcaster [VIDEO] Not unbothered Even though reports have claimed MacG to be unmoved by the exit from DStv, he said he's not unbothered. 'Honestly, I'm not unbothered. I feel things like anyone else would. But I also know this expansion into TV is way bigger than me,' said the broadcaster, who is also a DJ. The exit from DStv is limited only to Podcast and Chill, not to other podcasts under the Podcast and Chill Network brand. Shows like People Need Comedy (PNC) and Piano Pulse are still on TV. 'With Spreading Humours, PNC, and Piano Pulse, we're still active in that space. Podcast and Chill Network isn't going anywhere when it comes to traditional media. We're still showing up' Despite the unsavoury things MacG has said about media personality Minnie Dlamini and now being axed from Dstv, ardent viewers of Podcast and Chill, who are fondly referred to as 'chillers', have shown MacG unwavering support. 'The Chillers have been incredible,' he says. 'They've supported us fully, even while we're still figuring things out. They've been patient, loyal, and real with us. That kind of support means everything.' NOW READ: 'I will continue to pursue legal recourse': Minnie Dlamini breaks silence after MacG's apology
