In 2019, in a shocking move, the Sondela Sthandawa singer became a Member of Parliament, cementing his commitment to politics.
Musician Ringo Madlingozi has confirmed he is leaving politics to return to being a music artist but said he will remain a member of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
“I am no longer politically active. I will always love my brothers and sisters. My purpose to heal through music remains the same. I die a fighter,” the singer announced on social media on Saturday.
I am no longer politically active. I will always love my brothers and sisters. My purpose to heal through music remains the same. I die a fighter.
— Ringo Madlingozi (@ndiyagodola) July 13, 2024
In a shocking move in 2019, Sondera Standhawa The singer solidified his commitment to politics by becoming a member of parliament.
Madlingozi's name is not currently on the EFF's list of 46 MPs.
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Deny it
Last year, Madlingozi had to quell rumours that he was leaving the party to fulfil his creative desire to make music.
Your journalism is a fraud. Your lies hide behind “reliable sources”. Your wishes will never be mine. All you have to write is that my catalog will be re-released in its entirety on all digital platforms for the first time on September 15, 2023. I @EFFSouth Africa Thoroughly. Your Juno is a liar.
— Ringo Madlingozi (@ndiyagodola) September 10, 2023
“Your journalism is a fraud. Your lies hide behind 'reliable sources'. Your wishes will never be my wishes. All you have to write is that my catalogue will re-appear on all digital platforms for the first time on the 15th of September. I am EFF South Africa through and through. Your Juno is a liar,” Madlingozi declared in 2023.
Rumours of his exit from politics came after the veteran performer reportedly signed a deal with Sony to distribute his music on streaming platforms.
The deal also reportedly includes the release of new music, which is scheduled to be released in 2024.
At the time, EFF vice-chair Floyd Shivambu called the report “complete bullshit, spread by desperate fools who know nothing about the EFF.”
“Mitigant Ringo Madlingozi is a full member of the EFF and has been represented in Parliament by the Socialist, Pan-Africanist, Anti-Imperialist Economic Liberation Movement.”
I listen to music as a whole – Zanemvula Madlingozi #iammusic #I like music #musiclover
— Ringo Madlingozi (@ndiyagodola) June 19, 2024
However, a closer look at Madlingozi’s X timeline reveals that the musician has been dropping hints about his passion for music production and music through his tweets.
When I make or listen to music, I listen to the whole thing. #LiveMusic, #Iammusic ,
— Ringo Madlingozi (@ndiyagodola) June 19, 2024
Eugene Mthetwa, a member of iconic kwaito group Trompies and the EFF, was sworn in as an MP in June 2023 but is not currently an MP.
Mr Mthethwa was a member of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture (Parliamentary Committee) and a Delegate to the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition (Parliamentary Committee).
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