Toya Delazy alleges a 13-year radio ban, industry corruption, and “forced exile” from South Africa, claiming powerful figures blocked her music and career.
By Bulelwa Hoala
London-based South African singer Toya Delazy, real name Latoya Nontokozo Buthelezi, has revealed that she has not been able to get any of her new music played on radio for more than 13 years.
In a lengthy rant on social media, Toya, who is the granddaughter of the late Mangosuthu Buthelezi, rallied for her fans’ support, revealing that she did not leave the country by choice.
“I still can’t get any new music on radio. It’s been over 13 years now. I’m an artist living in forced exile because I chose my independence and because of what was done, which I discovered in the contracts given to me and many others. I’m exiled!” said Toya.
Without going into specifics about her own experience, Toya claimed the South African music industry is more corrupt and darker than that of the US.
“We have our own Epsteins, Ghislaines, Diddys and Jay Zs too! The same guy who signed Brenda Fassie’s contract signed mine too! I heard what she went through. I have been there too.”
She added that she chose to go independent because she refused to be exploited, claiming that corporations then ganged up on her. According to Toya, this resulted in her music being rejected by radio stations and her music videos being turned down by TV channels.
Toya also said returning home is not an option because, she claims, the media has spread smear campaigns about her, including allegations that she is on drugs and attempts to silence her Afro Rave genre.
“I’m tired of being misunderstood. They have had their chance to paint me. The industry needs a shake-up. One lady who was stealing my money at Sony is now running Universal. There is no way I can go to any of those labels with a project. The situation is serious.”
When one of her followers encouraged her to name and shame the alleged perpetrators on the popular Engineer Your Life podcast, Toya claimed she has been blocked from podcasts too.
“Tell you something crazy, they even blocked off podcasts because the people running them are funded by the same systems. If the podcast is independent, then they will invite me and I am willing to share,” she said.
READ NEXT: WATCH: ‘I’m really scared’ – Sne Mseleku breaks down after confirming her latest pregnancy
The post ‘I’m exiled!’ – Toya Delazy claims shadow ban by South African music industry appeared first on KAYA 959.
