Barely three years since the label Makhates Productions has been running, over six artists have packed and left in one year sighting its “uselessness.” In 2024, five artists left; three Limpopo stars, one Botswana, and a female vocalist who joined Dr Malinga’s label as the head producer and DJ. The numbers have since continued to dwindle. Recently, OHP Sage, real name Omphile Sathekhe, the voice behind Uncle Waffles’ song Wadibusa featuring Royal Musiq, and PCee dumped the label and handed his termination letter after an alleged breach of contract by the label.
According to an insider, the label owner Phillip Makhates has not met his part of the agreement forcing the artist who has been at the label for a frustrating two years pack his belongings and leave the Midrand label house. “He has failed to get deals and endorsements for OHP Sage, instead he gave him an iPhone 16, bought him a few clothing items, no salary, and made him work like a donkey,” the source says. “Do you know, he wasn’t getting paid for most of the gigs he has done. He did two or so photoshoots but was not making money, especially during the height of Wadibusa single. But the label owner keeps counting that he gave him a roof over his head and food. He was never homeless.” The source said Makates has allegedly been “exploiting his artists” and making them work long hours with little to no pay. “They all shared a two-bedroom house, all eight of them living on top of each other. They sometimes fought and had breakdowns because of lack of personal space.”
Aside from the departure of OHP Sage, Pretoria producers 015MusiQ and VanCity MusiQ also left the label after being there for under a year. The duo was handed a termination letter by Makates who allegedly felt they were an added expense as they came as a duo. “They do not have a contract with him, so what is he terminating, they just left,” the insider said. “They don’t even have a verbal agreement.” The source said he is acting like a ‘music executive mafia’ and he is clueless about the music business. He is trying to intimidate young artists.”
Another artist and rising star Veyane is responsible for the song Tholukuthi alongside Pretoria duo 015 who have also left the label after being informed his song had over 2 million streams but he failed to see payment. “The song brought bookings and did incredibly well. But he never saw money. The last time they got money was R20 000 each in December 2024.” Amapiano singer Starr Healer is also said to have fled the label. “She was initially signed to that podcaster from Piano Pulse – Mfitsotso, but he also messed up, and she joined Makhates,” the source said. “But she left due to not seeing progress in her career. He is a chancer basically.” A case of assault has allegedly been opened by one of his former producers after he trespassed on his home and stole studio physically assaulting him.
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The label owner recently tried to take down a song by Durban singer Zanda Zakuza which featured artist Airburn Sounds who was previously signed to his label. “The matter was however resolved. He received an undeserving percentage because he hoped the song would blow up and do well. Maybe it will, maybe it won’t. But none of his music has done that well.” Makhates could not be reached for comment despite several attempts.
Cece Smith 