Dladla Mshunqisi Leaves DJ Tira’s Afrotainment to Launch His Own Record Label: "It Is Now Time"

• Gqom star Dladla Mshunqisi confirmed he parted ways with DJ Tira's Afrotainment after years under the label
• Mshunqisi revealed plans to launch his own record company, Mshunqo Records, as he marks a decade in the Gqom scene
• The musician also teased a new collaboration with rapper Beast, reuniting the pair behind the popular track Pukupuku

Gqom musician Dladla Mshunqisi has officially stepped out on his own, confirming his departure from DJ Tira's Afrotainment as he prepares to launch an independent record label. The move marks a significant turning point for one of KwaZulu-Natal's most recognisable Gqom voices, who is now ten years deep into a career built on dance-floor anthems.

The musician, whose real name is Anele Dladla, shared the news during an interview with a Zulu-language newspaper, where he spoke candidly about the direction his career is taking. He confirmed he is no longer operating under Afrotainment and that a formal announcement about his new venture, Mshunqo Records, is on the way.

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Dladla Mshunqisi speaks after leaving DJ Tira

Despite walking away from the label that helped shape him, Mshunqisi was careful to make clear there is no tension between him and the Afrotainment boss.

"It is good. I mean, it is good on my side, and I still respect him. He is someone I can say played a significant role in helping me mature and grow strong in this industry. There is nothing bad I can say, but I have grown, which is why I am saying it is now time," he said.

His words frame the split as a natural evolution rather than any kind of fallout, with the musician feeling ready to take full ownership of his next chapter after years of building his profile through tracks like Omunye, which featured Distruction Boyz, and Amalukuluku.

Mzansi reacts after Dladla Mshunqisi leaves DJ Tira

Fans have plenty to look forward to as Mshunqisi kicks off his independent era. The artist promised a consistent flow of new releases, with one of the most anticipated being a fresh collaboration with rapper Beast. The two previously linked up on Pukupuku, a track that made waves, and their upcoming reunion is set to be part of the early push for Mshunqo Records.

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Mzansi reacted to the news with a mixture of encouragement and scepticism online.

@FollowMakhi wrote:

"Congratulations to him; sometimes you must outgrow your boss."

@Mashesha_RSA said:

"Growth is good; there's no drama here even if people are looking for one. All the best for him."

@AyandaB_Nxumalo commented:

"Well, he won't mention the exploitation coz sometimes it's not necessary. Just leave in peace with your dignity."

@SihleMurdo raised a cautionary note:

"He must ask other artists how it went. Remember, Lvovo tried that it did not go well."

@PulseOnlineInfo also sounded a word of warning:

"Lol, he can have his label, but in KZN he won't flourish without Bearings. Hope their relationship is not broken."

Dladla Mshunqisi announces return of festival

Mshunqisi’s move into running his own label comes as he continues to expand his career beyond performing.

Briefly News previously reported that the Durban-based Gqom star previously announced the return of his Usuku Lomshunqo Music Festival.

He stressed the importance of musicians developing additional income streams, especially as bookings become less frequent in the current industry.

Source: Briefly News