Ever since Zafaran announced that she would now perform under the name “Zafar” and launched a new YouTube channel, one question has dominated the conversation: what really happened between her and Swangz Avenue?
Swangz Avenue boss Benon Mugumbya says there is far less drama to the story than many people believe.
Speaking in a video statement, Benon explained that the decision to part ways was reached several months ago after both sides reviewed the partnership and agreed it was time to move on.
In our line of work, you have to evaluate whether a partnership still makes business sense. The math has to keep mathing.
If the decision had already been made, why did it take so long for the news to become public?
According to Benon, Zafaran still had ongoing commitments with a European promoter.
He added that the singer also asked for more time before the separation was announced, and Swangz Avenue chose to respect that request.
The speculation only grew louder after Zafaran reintroduced herself as Zafar and launched a new YouTube channel, with some fans interpreting the move as a sign that the label had stopped her from using her former stage name.
Benon insists that was never the case.
He says Swangz Avenue never prevented Zafaran from using her stage name and that the transition is already underway, with both sides working to complete the handover smoothly.
He also dismissed suggestions that the split was driven by conflict, saying the situation had been exaggerated in some corners of social media.
We will continue to support her in any way possible. We still believe in her talent, she is very disciplined, and we wish her all the best.
For Benon, the end of Zafaran’s time at Swangz Avenue is simply the end of a business partnership.
As she begins the next chapter of her career, he says the label remains firmly in her corner.