Benon Mugumbya clarifies Zafaran’s Swangz Avenue exit – Sqoop

Swangz Avenue co-founder Benon Mugumbya has addressed speculation surrounding singer Zafaran’s departure from the record label, insisting that the split was amicable and based purely on business considerations.

Questions about the singer’s exit emerged after Zafaran announced through a public statement that she had parted ways with Swangz Avenue, adopted a new stage name, and launched a new YouTube channel. The announcement led some fans to believe the label had retained ownership of her former name and YouTube platform.

Responding to the speculation, Benon explained that both parties had mutually agreed to end their partnership several months earlier after reviewing the business relationship and concluding that it was no longer commercially viable.

According to him, the decision was delayed from being made public because Zafaran still had contractual obligations to fulfill under the label, including commitments with a European promoter. He added that the singer had also requested more time before the news was officially announced, a request the label respected.

“A couple of months ago, we had to make the tough decision to let her go and end our partnership with Zafaran. It was purely a business decision, not being dramatic. It is common practice in our line of work where you have to evaluate whether the partnership is still making sense and whether the investment is adding up,” Benon said.

He noted that the label was surprised when Zafaran publicly announced her departure and suggested she had changed her name and opened a new YouTube channel, creating the impression that Swangz Avenue had prevented her from using her identity.

Benon denied those claims, stating that the matter had already been resolved and that the label was in the process of handing over everything related to her brand.

“Unfortunately, last week she put out a statement and also did an interview stating that she had changed her name and started a new YouTube channel, which insinuated that we had stopped her from using her name, which is not the case. That issue has been resolved and we are in the process of handing over everything,” he explained.

He emphasized that there was no bad blood between the two parties and wished the singer well in the next chapter of her career.

Benon also praised Zafaran for her talent and professionalism, saying Swangz Avenue would continue to support her despite the end of their working relationship.

“The exit is not dramatic as it has been depicted by some bloggers. It is purely business, and we will keep supporting her in any way possible because we believe in her talent. She is very disciplined,” he said.