Record label boss DJ Tira has fired his road manager following allegations of mismanagement of funds and overcharging for bookings.
The Afrotainment founder, real name Mthokozisi Khathi, and his manager Msenzito Shezi have been working together for close to a decade.
It is alleged that Shezi got the boot from the label after DJ Tira learnt that he was misusing funds and was overcharging event organisers for artists bookings.
An artist from Afrotainment who asked not to be named for fear of victimisation told the Sunday World that a lot of wrongdoing by Shezi had been going on for some time.
“The guy started by going against the label’s policy of not getting into romantic relationships with artists signed under the label. He was in a romantic relationship with Slenda The DJ. This was a main concern to the label bosses,” said the source.
Another artist alleged: “It didn’t come as a shock because his behaviour was questionable as he was also acting as if he’s an artist, Tira would leave his Durban house to him and he would invite girls into his house and host parties in Tira’s absence.
“I guess the final straw was when Tira saw that the numbers were not adding up financially with gigs he was booked at and decided to act”.
Sunday World has learnt that DJ Tira started an investigation and has been swiftly engaging Msenzisto to get clarity on misusing the company’s funds but his efforts went blank.
Msenzisto also broke code against dating artists
Afrotainment released a statement confirming the axing of Shezi from the label.
The statement read: “It is with great regret that we announce the departure of Mr Senzo “Msenzisto” Shezi effectively immediately. Following an internal investigation, it has come to our attention that Mr Senzo has engaged in behaviour that is inconsistent with the standards and values of Afrotainment.”
“As Afrotainment, we prioritize transparency, integrity and respect in all our business practices. The behaviour exhibited by this employee is not reflective of the values that we uphold,” the statement read.
A new booking manager was immediately appointed by the record label.
Shezi was approached for comment but hung up after hearing questioned posed to him. This story will be updated when Shezi responds.
