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Article / Entertainment
BY Abraham Ofori-Henaku
27-Apr-2025
Notable South African music executive Nhlamulo Baloyi, famously known as Nota, has revealed his challenging time behind bars after serving a brief stint in prison. Baloyi, whose criminal case has sparked heated discussions, was released earlier this week after serving just two weeks of his 60-day sentence for contempt of court. His sentence, which originally arose from a defamation of character lawsuit involving rapper K.O (Ntokozo Mdluli), saw Baloyi accused of making harmful claims regarding the death of rapper Kiernan "AKA" Forbes.
Now under house arrest with high-risk supervision, Baloyi will remain confined to his residence until January 2025. The former prison inmate expressed hope that his current conditions would improve, noting that he is working with parole officials to have his restrictive circumstances relaxed. Baloyi's incarceration and subsequent house arrest have left him unable to attend regular Sunday services, further isolating him during an already difficult period.
The 38-year-old’s legal troubles are far from over. Baloyi is also facing serious charges in a separate rape case involving actress Itumeleng Bokaba, which has now been postponed to January 2025. This ongoing legal battle has placed Baloyi at the center of numerous public controversies, overshadowing his previous work in the music industry.
In an exclusive interview with IOL, Baloyi discussed his emotional and psychological state after being released from prison. He admitted that the experience had taken a toll on his well-being but assured that he is actively seeking therapy to recover from the traumatic ordeal. "It’s been a lot to process, but I’m trying to heal and move forward," Baloyi said, indicating a desire to rebuild his life amid the ongoing scandals.
This year has been a tumultuous one for the music mogul, with his personal life also making headlines. In June, Baloyi officially ended his marriage to musician Gugulethu Khumalo, known professionally as Berita. The divorce was finalized after months of public disputes, and Baloyi took to social media to share his candid views on marriage and relationships.
On Instagram, he boldly stated, “Marital status: DIVORCED!” while on X (formerly Twitter), he posted reflections on his failed marriage, offering what he referred to as “life lessons” to his followers. “The lesson is to make sure she leaves with nothing of yours & loses half of everything she gained. Another lesson is marry in your class. Bringing someone up out of poverty is like going to bed with a snake starving itself to build up the appetite to swallow you whole,” Baloyi tweeted.
Despite the heavy personal and legal battles, Nota continues to be a divisive figure, with supporters and critics alike weighing in on his every move. His journey through the criminal justice system and his reflections on personal life have made him a figure of both intrigue and controversy within South Africa’s entertainment and social circles.
As Baloyi faces yet more legal challenges, the public awaits the next chapter in his turbulent career. With his ongoing house arrest, potential changes in his parole conditions, and looming court dates, it remains to be seen how this music executive will reshape his life moving forward. For now, he remains under close scrutiny, both from the media and his supporters.
BY ABRAHAM OFORI-HENAKU
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