Vele bebengathini evele zimbalekela

ABOUT 200 guests at the launch of kwaito star Kabelo’s new record label endured more than five minutes of foul language from popular Trompies singer Mandla “Spikiri” Mofokeng. Guests, who attended the launch of Faith Records on Wednesday night in Fourways, were stunned when Spikiri grabbed the microphone from Kabelo for a five-minute tirade. Spikiri, who is known to have developed a short fuse since his release from hospital, swore at the crowd and shouted: “I hate you all”. Someone eventually turned off his microphone. “The incident came as a shock, but I still stand by him,” Kabelo said yesterday. “Mandla phoned me this morning. We spoke and shared some love. Whatever he’s going through, I love him and will always support him.” The independent label is a joint venture between Kabelo and popular producer David “D-Rex” Campos. D-Rex said he was pleased by the way Kabelo handled the incident: “The Kabelo of five years ago would have acted differently. Instead, he was calm and patient and I am glad that he never lost his temper”. The launch was attended by record company execs and showbiz personalities, including ex-TKZee member Zwai Bala, model Babalwa Mneno, kwaito musicians Sbu and Robbie Malinga and Spikiri’s Kalawa Records’ labelmates Oskido and Pepsi. Guests were treated to brilliant performances by Faith Records’ newly signed singers, Martin Phike, formerly of Pop Stars group Ghetto Lingo, and rapper Howza. Kabelo hopes his label will stay true to certain principles. He said: “People in this industry have a tendency to run (their) business in a sly way. Our aim is to show them how to do business with integrity”.