Music fans hit out at DJ Sbu

Radio DJ and entrepreneur Sbusiso “DJ Sbu” Leope is at the centre of a controversy after being accused of capitalising on the death of rapper ProKid, whose real name is Linda Mkhize.

This comes after DJ Sbu, owner of recording label TS Records, which released two of ProKid’s best-known albums, Dankie San and Snakes and Ladders, uploaded the albums to iTunes following the rapper’s death.

Some fans pointed out that ProKid was allegedly not doing well financially before his death, reportedly following a severe seizure, and that support for him should have come while he was still alive.

One fan accused DJ Sbu of trying to “capitalise on the sympathy” following ProKid’s death, while another pointed out the albums should have been uploaded while “he was still with us”.

“They asked me to upload it. I listened to the people. I am making good money with my other companies, I don’t have to make money off anyone,” said DJ Sbu.

“The entire TS Records catalogue is not out on iTunes, only certain songs. But since his [ProKid’s] passing last week, everyone has been asking me to upload his music. “I eventually did so on Monday.” DJ Sbu said any royalties from streams and sales of the two albums would go to the rapper’s family.

“Whatever is due to the artist goes to the artist, and when the artist is no longer alive, it goes to the artist’s family. It has been happening for many years.

“We helped ProKid reach the superstardom he deserved. I was a fan of his when he was still an underground act. As soon as we had a partnership, we helped expose him to a bigger audience, and he became huge. I have always tried to do my part.

“Whoever was with me at the time was making good money and looking after their lives. Whatever happened after we go our separate lives, I, unfortunately, can’t be held responsible for that.”

These claims were not enough for some Twitter users, however, with another saying he wouldn’t be surprised if Leope tried to “push MoFaya at ProKid’s funeral”.

MoFaya is an energy drink owned by DJ Sbu.

ProKid, 37, will be laid to rest on Sunday. A memorial service was held for him yesterday in Newtown, Joburg. Whether or not DJ Sbu will be at the burial with cans of MoFaya on hand, is a matter of speculation. – Citizen reporter

Whatever is due to the artist goes to the artist, and when the artist is no longer alive, it goes to the artist’s family.

Sbusiso ‘DJ Sbu’ Leope DJ and businessperson