The multiple-award-winning gospel legend Sechaba Pali cried as he described how his record label reportedly “destroyed” his career. The musician reflected on his stormy musical career and his difficulties with his previous record company. Over the years, many of our favourite celebrities have spoken up about being exploited by those at the top who are unwilling to share the wealth.
After becoming a member of the award-winning gospel choir Joyous Celebration in 2003, Sechaba rocketed to superstardom and never looked back. Then, as a solo artist, he released chart-topping singles like as Alikho iThemba, Sechaba, and Hanthe Jeso.
It is common knowledge that the musician has had a turbulent career in the public eye. In the tabloids, his colourful lifestyle, including his drug and alcohol addictions and clashes with his record label and event organisers, has received considerable coverage.
In a recent in-depth interview with SABC News producer Tshegofatso Magolego, the artist revealed his challenges, faith, and desire to retake his throne after a five-year absence from the music world. He confessed that signing a contract with song producer Tshepo Nzimande without reading it led to his collapse.
According to Sechaba, his debts were constantly accumulating, and he believed he owed money to the record label. According to him, this led to a wedge between him and the establishment.
“The problem started when I found out that I was getting a small payment from my royalty payments. I was wondering what was going on because even at Joyous Celebration it was better. It was as if I was repaying the rent money the company had given me, it became a norm and I could not afford to give my mom money and support my kids. It ended up creating anger that I did not want at the time and when I started getting used to the likes of Lundi Tyamara and Sfiso Ncwane that’s when I asked them about what was happening and they asked me if I did check my contract before signing it. I had to go back and find the contract and I found out that they were giving me 10% when I asked from what percentage that is when the fight started,” he stated.
As he recounted losing family members and not being able to bury his father because he was broke, he fought back tears. According to him, this harmed his mental health, necessitating a visit to a psychologist.
“This question is hard, it is painful to lose your family, kids, and father and you cannot even bury him but people are saying he is a celebrity how can he not bury his father? I think I need to see a psychologist because even now, I do not know what I am doing. This thing was a calling and how does it become something that destroys me? They killed me, they destroyed me, but there is one thing that I know, God has something that he is planning for me and I know I will be fine,” he said while weeping.
Obviously, Sechaba has not had an easy time in the spotlight, but he promises a significant return in the near future.
»GOSPEL LEGEND SECHABA OPENS UP ABOUT HIS DOWNFALL«