Latest news with #PianoPulse
The Citizen
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
WATCH: Mlindo the Vocalist on earning R120K per weekend
Mlindo shot to fame in 2018 after DJ Maphorisa discovered him on social media. Musician Mlindo the Vocalist recently opened up about his music journey and how some of Mzansi's top artists including Riky Rick, DJ Maphorisa and Sjava played a pivotal role in his career. Mlindo shot to fame in 2018 after DJ Maphorisa discovered him on social media. That same year, in September, he released his debut album Emakhaya, which marked the peak of his career. ALSO READ: 'It's not just music, it's a story': Showmax celebrates Kabza De Small's Amapiano brilliance Mlindo on earning big at the peak of his career Speaking to Sfiso and Thakgi on the latest episode of Piano Pulse, Mlindo revealed that during that time, he was earning approximately R120 000 per weekend from gigs. 'There was a time when we were charging R60k. With a live band, we would charge R80k,' he said. Sfiso, the show's presenter — who was also Mlindo's co-road manager at the time — added that Mlindo would make an average of R250 000 per weekend, with Mlindo receiving around R120 000 after expenses. Mlindo also spoke about how the late rapper Riky Rick helped him in the early days of his career. 'Riky once asked me what I was wearing, and it was the only clothes I had. He went to his wardrobe and gave me a Maxhosa tracksuit and sneakers. 'He didn't take me shopping or send me money — he gave me clothes from his own wardrobe when I went into the studio because I was wearing nonsense,' he said. Mlindo was making about R250k per weekend when he was at the top but he'd take home R120k 'after deductions'. 🫢 How? You ask, his co-road-manager S'fiso breaks it down for free. VVIP S/O to Nyiko The Great! 😂 — YaseBlock B 🇸🇿 (@ThisIsColbert) June 24, 2025 NOW READ: Malik Yoba talks Kings of Joburg, his first African film experience, and more
IOL News
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Mlindo the Vocalist reveals his struggles before fame on the 'Piano Pulse' podcast
Mlindo the Vocalist opened up about the financial hardships he faced despite the success of his debut album "Emakhaya". Image: Instagram. In an enlightening episode of the "Piano Pulse" podcast, South African singer Mlindo the Vocalist opened up about the triumphs and tribulations of fame. Known for his melodies and emotional lyrics, Mlindo revealed the underlying shyness that accompanies his public persona. "I'm a very shy person ... They didn't tell me it comes with all these things. If I knew, I would have told them to let me just record the music and not show my face. When I am on stage performing, for the first two songs I close my eyes," he admitted. Taking listeners through his journey in the music industry, Mlindo recounted a moment with the late rapper Riky Rick, who played a crucial role in shaping his early career. "Riky asked me what I was wearing, and it was the only clothes I had. He went to his wardrobe and gave me a Maxhosa tracksuit and sneakers. Riky gave me clothes. He didn't take me to the shop to buy clothes or send me money, he took clothes from his wardrobe when I went into the studio, because I was wearing nonsense." This generous act marked the beginning of a successful collaboration between the two artists that resulted in the hit song "You and I". "From there was the birth of Mlindo with the album 'Emakhaya', featuring DJ Maphorisa and Sjava," he said. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ Before his breakout success, however, he had experienced his own share of struggles, having recorded tracks with artists like Sun-El Musician and Simmy. Later, Mlindo confessed his challenges with songwriting: "I always doubt what I write and I lose interest, so all I need is the idea, like what are we talking about on the song, how am I flowing on this harmony and then sharp, that's it." However, fame came with its challenges. Despite the success of "Emakhaya", Mlindo shared the financial hurdles he faced during the lockdown. "Lockdown hit when I was home, in Port Shepstone. I couldn't be locked down this side. The coins were not coining," he said. Yet, in a positive turn, he used earnings from his past gigs to buy his mother a house in Margate, KZN. The podcast episode has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many fans expressing outrage at DJ Maphorisa's perceived lack of support for Mlindo. Comments flooded in, questioning how an artist with such a successful debut could walk away with little to show. @DladlaT_ wrote on X: "Phori robbed our boy, 'which money'." @uKilla_K said: "Ahhhhhhh, broer didn't make anything from 'Emakhaya'? That's a top 10 most-streamed album. How is this possible?" ahhhhhhh, broer didnt make anything from Emakhaya? That's a top 10 most streamed album. How is this possible? — ModernDay Laqhasha (@uKilla_K) June 24, 2025 Meanwhile, @swartblack commended the professionalism of DJ Maphorisa: "After watching #PianoPulse with @MlindoRSA look, the respect I have for @DjMaphorisa shows maturity and level headed human being. Le botho." After watching #PianoPulse with @MlindoRSA look, the respect I have for @DjMaphorisa shows maturity and level headed human being. Le botho. — MfanaWaLeSUPA (@swartblack) June 24, 2025 Watch the full episode below.
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
The Star
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Munaka Muthambi's exit from 'Piano Pulse': the God-given reason you didn't see coming
Nomathamsanqa Sithathu | Published 9 hours ago In a recent interview on the 'Tell Us Y' podcast with YFM, Munaka Muthambi, former co-host of the popular amapiano podcast 'Piano Pulse', shed light on her reasons for leaving the show. Her departure had sparked controversy and amusement among fans and fellow podcasters, particularly after she cited that 'God told her to leave' as the reason for her exit. Initially, Muthambi had stated that the 'Heineken House' incident and the drama with amapiano artist Sizwe Alakine, formerly known as Reason, had nothing to do with her reasons for leaving the podcast. 'My reasons have nothing to do with the whole Reason saga and our incident with Heineken; we've moved past that a long time ago,' Munaka previously stated. However, it seems that her reason for leaving has changed with time. In the recent interview, she revealed that the 'Heineken incident' did play a role in her decision to leave. The controversy surrounding the 'Heineken incident' began when Muthambi was individually invited to a 'Heineken House' event and attended without her co-hosts, Sfiso Ndlovu and Thakgi Ledwaba. This made them feel excluded, leading to tension between them as co-hosts. Muthambi explained that she attended the event as an individual invitee, and not as a representative of the podcast, which led to the disagreement. During the interview with 'Tell Us Y', Muthambi revealed that from there, she spent a month fasting and praying, seeking answers about her future on the podcast. During this time, she was uncertain about her place on the show and was grappling with the challenges she faced. A while after the tension, another incident took place in the studio when a recording of a 'Piano Pulse' episode was in session. This was when the amapiano artist stopped by at the studios to address the comments made by Ndlovu and Ledwaba about his rapper girlfriend, Gigi Lamayne. When the drama with Reason unfolded in the studio, she took it as a sign from God that it was time to leave. To her, the situation was the answer she had been seeking, and she felt that God was speaking to her, guiding her to move on. 'After the Reason situation, that was what I low-key prayed for. Not that I prayed for that to happen, but dude, when I fasted and that drama happened, I went 'ahh',' she said, emphasising that she needed a solid reason and God showed her. Muthambi's decision to leave the podcast was also influenced by her initial doubts about joining the show. She admitted that she was shaky about being a part of 'Piano Pulse' and had reservations about whether it was the right fit for her. 'It's not like I woke up and decided I wanted to leave. Literally like two months in, I was like 'Is this really for me?' Like I could feel it from the start,' she said. Her concerns were further heightened when she heard MacG, host of 'Podcast and Chill', express doubts about her ability to last on the podcast due to her brand affiliations. MacG's comments hurt her feelings, but did not surprise her. Despite her reservations, Muthambi had committed to the podcast, but the drama with Reason and the underlying tensions with her co-hosts ultimately led her to seek guidance from God. Additionally, she feels that the podcast deserves a person who is passionate and well informed about the amapiano genre. In hindsight, Muthambi's comments provide a deeper understanding of her decision to leave 'Piano Pulse', beyond the speculation and jokes that followed her departure. Her revelation that she was uncertain about joining the podcast from the start and that the drama with Reason was the final sign for her to leave sheds new light on her experience.
IOL News
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Munaka Muthambi's exit from 'Piano Pulse': the God-given reason you didn't see coming
Munaka Muthambi gets candid about why she left 'Piano Pulse'. Image: Instagram In a recent interview on the 'Tell Us Y' podcast with YFM, Munaka Muthambi, former co-host of the popular amapiano podcast 'Piano Pulse', shed light on her reasons for leaving the show. Her departure had sparked controversy and amusement among fans and fellow podcasters, particularly after she cited that 'God told her to leave' as the reason for her exit. Initially, Muthambi had stated that the 'Heineken House' incident and the drama with amapiano artist Sizwe Alakine, formerly known as Reason, had nothing to do with her reasons for leaving the podcast. 'My reasons have nothing to do with the whole Reason saga and our incident with Heineken; we've moved past that a long time ago,' Munaka previously stated. However, it seems that her reason for leaving has changed with time. In the recent interview, she revealed that the 'Heineken incident' did play a role in her decision to leave. The controversy surrounding the 'Heineken incident' began when Muthambi was individually invited to a 'Heineken House' event and attended without her co-hosts, Sfiso Ndlovu and Thakgi Ledwaba. 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 ✕ This made them feel excluded, leading to tension between them as co-hosts. Muthambi explained that she attended the event as an individual invitee, and not as a representative of the podcast, which led to the disagreement. During the interview with 'Tell Us Y', Muthambi revealed that from there, she spent a month fasting and praying, seeking answers about her future on the podcast. During this time, she was uncertain about her place on the show and was grappling with the challenges she faced. A while after the tension, another incident took place in the studio when a recording of a 'Piano Pulse' episode was in session. This was when the amapiano artist stopped by at the studios to address the comments made by Ndlovu and Ledwaba about his rapper girlfriend, Gigi Lamayne. When the drama with Reason unfolded in the studio, she took it as a sign from God that it was time to leave. To her, the situation was the answer she had been seeking, and she felt that God was speaking to her, guiding her to move on. 'After the Reason situation, that was what I low-key prayed for. Not that I prayed for that to happen, but dude, when I fasted and that drama happened, I went 'ahh',' she said, emphasising that she needed a solid reason and God showed her. Muthambi's decision to leave the podcast was also influenced by her initial doubts about joining the show. She admitted that she was shaky about being a part of 'Piano Pulse' and had reservations about whether it was the right fit for her. 'It's not like I woke up and decided I wanted to leave. Literally like two months in, I was like 'Is this really for me?' Like I could feel it from the start,' she said. Her concerns were further heightened when she heard MacG, host of 'Podcast and Chill', express doubts about her ability to last on the podcast due to her brand affiliations. MacG's comments hurt her feelings, but did not surprise her.
