{"id":24013,"date":"2026-02-28T16:35:43","date_gmt":"2026-02-28T14:35:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=24013"},"modified":"2026-02-28T16:35:43","modified_gmt":"2026-02-28T14:35:43","slug":"toya-delazy-reveals-the-shadows-of-south-africas-music-scene","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/toya-delazy-reveals-the-shadows-of-south-africas-music-scene\/","title":{"rendered":"Toya Delazy Reveals the Shadows of South Africa’s Music Scene"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Toya Delazy Exposes Issues Within the South African Music Scene<\/strong>. The acclaimed South African musician Toya Delazy has issued a powerful statement highlighting the challenges of exploitation, blacklisting, and systemic control in the local music industry, actions she argues have damaged artists’ careers and in some instances have resulted in tragic outcomes.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Toya<\/a>Toya Delazy Exposes Issues Within the South African Music Scene<\/figure>\n

In a heartfelt post on X, the artist residing in London described her experience as living in what she refers to as \u201cforced exile\u201d due to her choice for independence and her reevaluation of contractual commitments she regrets.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo many artists were pushed into suicide,\u201d she stated. \u201cOthers, it\u2019s still under debate if they even did it themselves. But the industry in South Africa has been left out of the conversation on brutality, and it needs a revolution.\u201d<\/p>\n

Latoya Nontokozo Buthelezi, known as Delazy, gained recognition in the early 2010s with hits like \u201cPump It On.\u201d Coming from a lineage of prominent figures, including anti-apartheid leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi and composer Princess Magogo, she established a unique place in the pop music scene before evolving to create her Afrorave genre, which blends Zulu traditions, gqom rhythms, and electronic sounds.<\/p>\n

Despite her initial accolades, including three South African Music Awards, Delazy now reports she has not received any radio airplay in South Africa for over 13 years.<\/p>\n


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\u201cI\u2019m an artist living in forced exile because I chose my independence,\u201d she remarked. \u201cIt may not have been announced like apartheid days, at least then you knew what was happening. This is all hidden. They closed every single avenue.\u201d<\/p>\n

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So many artist where pushed into suicide, others it\u2019s still under debate if they even did it themselves but the industry in South Africa has been left out the conversation on brutality and it needs a revolution, from slave contracts to payolas & removing and blocking local\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/v572iecuY6<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 AFRO-RAVE \u2625 (@ToyaDelazy) February 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Her claims involve the use of exploitative contracts, allegations of payola, and efforts to sabotage local artists. She pointed out that influential players in the industry operate in ways she believes are \u201clinked and darker than the US.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delazy explained that her relocation was not a choice for artistic growth but rather a necessity for her well-being. She claims her awareness of the industry\u2019s alleged control became evident only after examining the fine print in contracts that not only affected her but many others.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe story needs to be told,\u201d she insisted. \u201cI\u2019m telling you so you know what is happening and why I need your support. Music is my livelihood.\u201d<\/p>\n

Previously, Delazy has hinted at conflicts within the industry. Following the unfortunate loss of fellow artist Zahara<\/strong> in late 2023, she announced her intention to write a revealing book titled What Happened to Toya<\/em>. Recently, she hinted at \u201ctransmuting my pain in exile.\u201d However, her latest comments reflect a more direct and pressing tone.<\/p>\n

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