South African podcast host MacG has outlined how Nota Baloyi allegedly came to hold music masters and royalty income linked to rapper Kwesta, describing an early business arrangement that was never formalised.
Speaking on Podcast and Chill, MacG said his account was based on what he had heard and left room for correction if any details were inaccurate. He said Kwesta, Leroy and Nota Baloyi were young and still finding their feet when they came together with the idea of starting a record label.
The alleged business arrangement#
According to MacG, the three had a shared vision, but there was one practical hurdle: Nota Baloyi was reportedly the only one who already had a registered company. They used his existing business to get their plans off the ground.
- Nota Baloyi was the only one with a registered company.
- The plan was to use that company temporarily and register a new entity later.
- The new entity was never registered, according to MacG.
“We’ll use your company for now and then later we’ll register a new entity,” MacG recalled, explaining the arrangement as he understood it. “But just to get this ball rolling, we’ll use your company. And until this day, it hasn’t been changed.”
MacG said the failure to formalise a new business structure could explain why Nota Baloyi continues to control the masters and collect royalties associated with the music created during that period. He presented this as his understanding of the situation rather than a verified account of the contractual arrangements between the parties.
Warning to artists#
Beyond the specifics of Kwesta’s situation, MacG used the discussion to deliver a broader message to musicians, producers and aspiring entrepreneurs about the risks of entering business partnerships without clear agreements.
“You must be careful when we start these things… You never know what it’s gonna become. So just do it right from the onset,” he advised.
MacG also mentioned receiving a message from My Sol during the discussion.
