Legendary kwaito singer Tzozo, known off-stage as Thokozani Zulu, is at the centre of a controversy after being accused of gatekeeping access to the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Music House in Durban.
The allegations emerged following a Facebook post by a local artist Zamanteyi Nteyi, who detailed the frustrations in seeking rehearsal space at the renowned music venue.
The Facebook post reads:
“So KZN artists, You are all quiet you don’t say that there’s an ART CENTRE that is controlled by Tzozo and his team of CCIFSA. So, izolo (yesterday) I went to KZN Music House to enquire about space for rehearsals. I told the guy at the reception ukuthi (that) the space would be used by approximately fifteen to twenty people on weekends preferably overnight because during the week bayasebenza (they are working). Alternatively, they can use Saturdays or even Sundays during the day.
Guess what was the response???
‘Ohh no you have to speak to Tzozo, he’s in charge. He decides who uses the space and what programs are suitable for the space. If he says NO then the space cannot be used as he has the final say.’
“I was shocked and flabbergasted at the same time. How can one man be given so much power to control and decide the livelihood of KZN artists?
“Okay, so I phoned Tzozo, I wanted to hear from the horse’s mouth. I called him and the phone rang he didn’t pick it up. Asked the guy to call him and he picked it up,” explained the artist.
Zamanteyi further states on the post that Tzozo said he called the shots at KZN Music House. “Without mincing his words asho ke ukuthi ( he said) he picks and chooses which artists to use in KZN Music House. Athi nje (Saying) he only allows programs, workshops and meetings to be conducted in that space definitely NOT rehearsals.”
In response to these allegations, Tzozo furiously dismissed the claims when speaking to TshisaLIVE:
“The person who came to enquire about the availability of the KZN Music House had her agenda, I’m not a gatekeeper, I have the best interest of the centre at heart.”
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