When harmony falls apart: music duos that couldn’t keep it together

After a critical meeting earlier this month, Murumba Pitch announced their decision to terminate their partnership with immediate effect.

After a critical meeting earlier this month, Murumba Pitch announced their decision to terminate their partnership with immediate effect.

Image by: Supplied

Published Mar 28, 2025

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Music duos have long captivated audiences, creating enchanting soundscapes that speak to the heart.

Yet, for every pair that finds enduring synergy, some succumb to the pressures of fame, creative differences, and personal disputes - leaving fans reeling in their wake.

Recently, several prominent music partnerships have called it quits, leaving listeners with a sense of longing for the magic that once was. 

After a critical meeting earlier this month, Murumba Pitch announced their decision to terminate their partnership with immediate effect.

One of the recent most talked-about splits comes from Murumba Pitch, the dynamic South African duo consisting of Emmanuel Mathye, and Thabang Innocent Mangolo.

After a critical meeting earlier this month, the pair announced their decision to terminate their partnership with immediate effect.

Their joint statement, delivered through their legal representatives, revealed that they had mutually agreed to focus on new opportunities and future endeavours independently. 

“It is with great sadness to announce that after a meeting held on March 6, we have reached a mutual decision to terminate our partnership and contractual relationship with immediate effect,” the statement read.

“Both parties have agreed that a formal media statement would be released to inform the public of this development.”

Their fans, who have adored hits such as “Wena Dali”, “Hamba Juba”, and “Uyeke”, were left shocked by the announcement, flooding social media with messages of heartbreak. 

Last year, P-Square, the iconic Nigerian duo of twin brothers Paul Okoye (Rudeboy) and Peter Okoye (Mr P) confirmed yet another separation.

Meanwhile, P-Square, the iconic Nigerian duo of twin brothers Paul Okoye (Rudeboy), and Peter Okoye (Mr P), have confirmed yet another separation.

Their latest split last year comes after their initial break-up in 2016, followed by a reunion in 2021. 

In a YouTube interview with City FM, Paul revealed that Peter had expressed his desire to leave the group, stating, "He sent me a message saying he was no longer interested". 

Creative differences were cited as the primary reason for their split, complicating the situation further given Paul’s concerns about public perceptions if he took the solo route again.

“When I go solo, they will call me a bad person. That’s why I need to start speaking so the fans can know what’s going on,” Paul explained. 

While Murdah Bongz has rebranded as Morda and is pursuing a solo career, Thabo Smol continues to perform under the Blackmotion name.

Likewise, the South African music scene is not free from change, as exemplified by the split of Black Motion.

Originally featuring Thabo Smol, known as Roy Thabo Mabogwane, and Murdah Bongz (real name Bongani Mohosana), the duo has now diverged paths. 

While Bongz has rebranded as Morda and is pursuing a solo career, Smol continues to perform under the Black Motion name, now partnered with DJ and producer Problem Child (real name Kabelo Koma).

In an interview with Mac G on “Podcast and Chill", Smol discussed their split, attributing it to personal growth and the need to explore new horizons. 

He reiterated that there were no clashes of egos, while maintaining a strong friendship despite their professional separation.