Award-winning singer Lwah Ndlunkulu is desperate to walk away from the record label that helped turn her into one of Mzansi’s biggest Afro-pop stars, but there is allegedly one major problem: her contract.
A source familiar with the situation claims the singer has been unhappy with certain aspects of her working relationship with the label for some time and has allegedly communicated her concerns without getting the outcome she wants.
According to the source, money-related disagreements are among the issues behind her alleged desire to leave. The source further claims that Lwah feels restricted by the terms of her existing agreement and cannot simply pack her bags and pursue opportunities elsewhere.
The situation has taken an emotional toll on the singer, with the source suggesting that the pressure surrounding her professional circumstances has become increasingly difficult.
In October that Lwah was admitted to a medical facility for a procedure and would be unavailable for performances for two weeks. The label did not disclose the nature of the procedure, asking fans and promoters to respect her privacy while wishing her a speedy recovery. However the source revealed her hospitalisation had something to do with her wanting to leave the label.
Lwah, whose real name is Lwandile Mtshali, has come a long way since arriving in Johannesburg in 2020 to pursue her music dreams.
She has publicly spoken about how difficult her early days in the city were, revealing that she initially had nowhere to stay and had to sleep at a recording studio.
Her big break came after she was introduced to Inkabi Records through a producer. Big Zulu heard her music and became interested in her voice, leading to the recording of uMuzi eSandton.
The song, which featured on Big Zulu’s music catalogue, helped introduce her to a wider audience and opened the door to her own career.
She subsequently released hits including Ithuba, Ngiyeza and Mnakwethu, establishing herself as one of the label’s most recognisable artists.
Her debut album, Imizwa, released in November 2023, further cemented her position in the industry.
In February 2026, she reflected positively on her relationship with the label at its Night of Achievements celebration, describing her journey with Inkabi Records as a great one.
She also recalled how the label founders Big Zulu and Leroy Khoza had accommodated her at their studio when she was starting out. Khoza serves as a key executive involved in the label’s business affairs.
Leroy has previously spoken publicly about his role in handling the business side of the company, while Big Zulu has been the public face of the label and its artist-development vision.
The label has built a roster that includes Lwah, Siya Ntuli, Xowla and other performers, while developing its Inkabi Nation identity.
Big Zulu has previously spoken about personally guiding artists signed to his stable, saying he accompanies them to performances and helps them adjust to the demands of the entertainment industry.
However, the label has also experienced departures and disagreements.
One of the most notable departures was that of Mduduzi Ncube, who left Inkabi Records in March 2026 to establish his own company, Blvckbird. Initially, the separation was presented as mutual and amicable, with the label saying his contract had run its course. But the situation later became more complicated. Ncube alleged the label owed him R234,670 in royalties. He claimed that money initially described as royalties was subsequently classified as an advance, contributing to confusion over what he was owed.
Inkabi Records rejected the allegations, maintaining that its accounting systems were transparent and that artists had access to their financial statements.
Leroy Khoza insisted that Ncube had received his statements, saying: “Every single statement from the beginning of time… he’s received every statement.”
Big Zulu also denied that the label owed Ncube money.
Musiholiq’s relationship with the label has also attracted media attention, with reports in March suggesting that the partnership had ended amid claims that he felt overlooked.
The source revealed that Lwah’s recording contract carries obligations beyond simply releasing music, including recording commitments, publishing arrangements, ownership of master recordings and restrictions on working with other labels without permission.
Inkabi Records has broken its silence over the growing speculation surrounding singer Lwah Ndlunkulu’s wellbeing, rejecting allegations that the record label is responsible for her current health challenges.
In an official media statement issued on November 10, the label said it had noted the allegations circulating on social media and various media platforms, particularly claims linking its conduct to the singer’s condition.
“We wish to state categorically that Inkabi Records rejects the allegations that the label is responsible for Lwah’s current health challenges,” the statement reads.
The label went further, claiming that its understanding, based on engagements with Lwah and her family, was that her difficulties were associated with personal circumstances, including concerns related to substance use.
“The label’s understanding, informed by its engagement with Lwah and her family, is that her present difficulties are associated with personal circumstances, including concerns related to substance use, and not with any conduct by Inkabi Records,” the statement reads.
Inkabi Records said it had deliberately avoided discussing the singer’s personal circumstances publicly out of respect for her privacy, but felt compelled to respond to what it described as serious allegations against the company.
