“I am their slave” – Makhadzi on relationship with Open Mic Productions

Makhadzi Instagram — Makhadzi PIC: Instagram

Award-winning South African artist Makhadzi is not a happy woman.

A few days ago she shared that she would be leaving Open Mic Productions, but the company has said ‘not-so-fast’.

“We as Open Mic Productions (the Management) are pleased to inform you that we are hereby
renewing or extending the contract period for an additional period of three (3) years with effect
from the 09 th of March 2023 in terms of clause 6.3 of the Management Agreement entered into
between yourself and Open Mic Productions (PTY) LTD on the 10 th of March 2020.” Open Mic said in a letter shared by the artist.

And she is not happy.

Makhadzi said, “Here is the letter that I recieved from open mic , they were not asking me if I [still] want to work with them, they were just telling me [cause] I am their slave”.

Here is the letter that I recieved from open mic , they were not asking me if I stl want to work with them, they were just telling me cz iam their slave 😒💔. pic.twitter.com/QlsFOjSLp5

— Makhadzi (@MakhadziSA) May 6, 2023

And it looks as if she may have signed one of those contracts which says she cannot leave until the record label is no longer interested in her.

Open Mic spokesperson Nkateko Maluleke was quoted a few days ago in Sundayworld as saying in explaining the auto-renewable contract, “An auto-renewable contract means when the expiry time comes, it automatically renews until the record label decides not to renew. It renews with a similar period as the initial contract and she has a letter confirming renewal”

It is not an uncommon situation that Makhadzi finds herself in. Even in the global north where the industry is more sophisticated, many artists have signed contracts that have come back to bite them after success.