Kenny Kunene says Zoocci Coke Dope is stuck in a record label dispute that has allegedly halted his ability to release music.
Image: Instagram
Businessman and Johannesburg MMC for Transport Kenny Kunene has claimed that rapper and producer Zoocci Coke Dope approached him for help in getting out of what he describes as a restrictive and damaging record label deal.
Speaking on a recent episode of "Podcast and Chill with MacG", Kunene alleged that Zoocci is currently unable to release music or work with other artists due to contractual issues with “Stay Low”, a record label and management company owned by Steyn Entertainment.
“A lot of young people have come to me, including Zoocci,” Kunene said. “Zoocci’s future is being destroyed by some white family, by the son of the legendary Steyn.”
Kunene went on to claim that the people behind the label are using their influence to block Zoocci from working.
“They’ve given him a contract, and they have destroyed him. He can’t produce any song. He can’t work with anyone,” Kunene said. “But I’m fighting for him now.”
The politician further alleged that Zoocci does not have the financial means to challenge the label legally and claimed that the contract includes clauses the artist was unaware of.
“He wants to get out of the contract,” Kunene said. “He has no money to fight them.”
He also alleged that the label turned artists against Zoocci as a way of isolating him within the industry.
“Zoocci brought a lot of artists. They used their power to turn all these artists against Zoocci, to destroy him,” he said. According to fans, Zoocci Coke Dope has already touched on his record label struggles in his song “Current State Of Mind V”.
Since the song’s release, the artist has largely kept a low profile, with fans noting that he now appears to be keeping a low profile.
Zoocci is best known for his work as a producer and creative force behind several major hip-hop releases. Over the years, he has worked with artists such as Nasty C, Emtee, A-Reece, Saudi and Flvme, contributing to projects that helped shape contemporary South African hip-hop.
According to information previously published on Steyn Entertainment’s website, Stay Low officially partnered with Zoocci Coke Dope’s independent record label PiFF Audio in 2021.
The statement noted that Zoocci Coke Dope would assume a record label executive role alongside Stay Low head, Vaughn Thiel.
“Independent Media Lifestyle” reached out to Steyn Entertainment for comment but received no response at the time of publication.