Disabled DJ, record firm in dispute over payment

Wheelchair-bound DJ Siyanda Makanya – better known as DJ Kabila – has alleged that an East London distributor has refused to pay him for album sales.

Makanya said he had given East London company Kubo Records the go-ahead to distribute his album on condition he gets 80% of profits from the sales. “We agreed that I get 80% and they get 20% but now they are refusing to pay me.”

Makanya said Kubo Records owner Mozent Magwana had arranged for his music to be sold through a national retailer. “This guy was working on my desperation and is now adding costs that I know nothing about. I told him I want my 80% as agreed but he is now telling me to talk to their lawyers.”

Magwana disputed the claims and denied he was taking advantage of the DJ.

Before starting his own company, Makanya was signed under a different label. “This album, Music Will Save the Day, is my first project under my own company and now this guy wants to take a huge chunk of my money as though he owns it. I did everything on my own,” he said.

Magwana said Makanya had last year approached them for a distribution deal saying he had been complaining about previous companies which exploited him.

“I was uncomfortable about discussing his differences with other companies and I offered him a distribution deal.”

Magwana said he was shocked last week when he received a call from someone claiming to be Makanya’s lawyer.

“It turned out the person was in fact his friend and we have since informed him that we will not be able to supply his product through our account because he is undermining our effort.”

He said the DJ would receive his share of profit from the 500 albums already sold but warned that the retailer took 22%, his company got 20% and the remainder went to Makanya. “If he wants 80% then he must take it up with .”