Prominent artist manager Moeketsi Pius Kebise has parted ways with Mets’oaka Group just two months after its official launch.
Kebise, who has been the long-time manager of celebrated artist Sannere and also served as the label’s Managing Director, announced his departure in a statement on social media.
“After an incredible journey with Mets’oaka Group, I am stepping into a new chapter of my life, embracing fresh opportunities and new challenges. My time with Mets’oaka has been nothing short of transformative, filled with invaluable learning experiences, meaningful relationships, and milestones that I will always hold dear,” he wrote.
While Kebise framed his exit as a new beginning, Newsday Arts has learned that disagreements between him and the label’s founder, Sannere, contributed to his departure.
In an interview, Kebise confirmed that he and Sannere had irreconcilable differences, making it difficult for him to continue in his role.
“Sometimes, when you’re not seeing eye to eye with the people leading an organisation, it’s best to take a step back and make a decision that benefits everyone involved. There is no bad blood, just a shift in priorities on my part,” he explained.
Mets’oaka Group was launched in January this year, with Kebise appointed as Managing Director while continuing as Sannere’s manager. However, internal challenges within the company’s leadership appear to have led to his decision to leave.
Kebise is the second high-profile departure from the label since its inception.
Just two days after the official launch, Sannere’s producer, Flash Cortez, who worked on his debut EP Phabalimo, also left following reported disagreements with the label’s leadership.
When contacted for a response, Sannere, real name Relebohile Monaphathi, stated that, as far as he is aware, there is no bad blood between him and his former manager. He emphasised that employees frequently make the decision to leave in any business, and it does not necessarily indicate conflict.
“As far as I know, Pius’s departure was a decision he made on his own accord, not because of any conflict between us. In any company or business, employees leave when they feel they have better opportunities elsewhere. While disagreements can sometimes be a factor, that was not the case here,” Sannere said.
When asked about Pius’s comments and the fact that he is the second individual to leave the label since its launch, Sannere maintained that he was unaware of any disputes that could have led to their departures.
“I have no idea what disagreement Pius is referring to because, as far as I recall, we were all on good terms. I can’t comment on something I do not know of. As I said, people make these decisions for their own reasons, and we can’t hold that against them. Their departure shouldn’t automatically be seen as a sign of trouble,” he concluded.
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