Exploitation claims have rocked the Thanda Choir following a “Carte Blanche” investigation that raised serious questions about the group’s management, finances and treatment of members.
Image: Vuyile Madwantsi
The founding members of Thanda Choir have revealed that they are taking steps to reclaim full ownership of the group following allegations of exploitation and lack of transparency by former management.
The Khayelitsha-based youth choir has come under national scrutiny after an investigative report by “Carte Blanche” titled “Choir Captured” aired on April 19, raising questions about how the organisation was run and how its members were compensated.
The report alleged that while the choir performed internationally in cities such as Paris and Rio de Janeiro, some members earned as little as R400 per month or per performance, along with a food parcel.
At the same time, management was said to charge up to R45,000 for a 45-minute performance. This gap between income and what singers received has drawn strong criticism.
Further claims include a lack of financial transparency, with managers Julio Teixeira and Luke Bernhardi accused of refusing to open financial records for review and attempting to use non-disclosure agreements to limit investigation.
There are also concerns around intellectual property. Former member Prince Maqhajana alleged that his music was used in a documentary without his knowledge or consent.
ome choir members have described returning from international tours to live in poverty, with others referring to the situation as “modern-day slavery”.
Management has rejected the allegations, stating that all revenue is directed back into the organisation to cover travel, uniforms and a youth development programme launched in 2023.
The exposé has sparked widespread reaction on social media, with many calling for better protection of artists from disadvantaged communities.
In response, the founding members issued a statement confirming their break from former management and their intention to take back control.
“The founding members of Thanda Choir announce a bold step toward independence. After years of being exploited and recently cast out of the ensemble that they founded by outside managers, we are now fully reclaiming our future,” the statement read.
They outlined key demands, including full ownership of their compositions and creative work, direct payment of all past and future royalties, ownership of the Thanda Choir brand and control over all digital platforms.
The group confirmed it is no longer affiliated with Up Next Studios, Julio Teixeira, Luke Bernhardi, Asavela Mpayipheli and Zikhona Maphisa, adding that all prior agreements are now void.
“We stand together to protect the legacy we built. We are calling on legal experts to help us secure these rights and ensure fair treatment. We are also reaching out to media platforms so our voices are heard,” they said.