Benon Mugumbya Breaks Silence on Zafaran’s Exit From Swangz Avenue
Swangz Avenue boss Benon Mugumbya has publicly addressed the circumstances surrounding Zafaran’s departure from the record label, pushing back against growing online speculation about drama behind the split.
The conversation began after Ugandan singer Zafaran announced her exit from Swangz Avenue on June 25, 2026, stating that the decision had been reached amicably.
However, changes surrounding her branding — including a switch from “Zafaran” to “Zafar” — and reports about her YouTube channel sparked online debate, with some critics suggesting tensions between the artist and the label.
Now, Swangz Avenue has moved to clarify its position.
“It Was Purely a Business Decision” — Benon Mugumbya
Speaking in a video shared on his TikTok page, Benon Mugumbya explained that the decision for Zafaran to leave the label was made after an internal business evaluation.
According to him, both parties agreed that it was time to end the partnership based on performance and strategic considerations.
He emphasized that the split was not driven by conflict or personal issues, but rather a routine industry assessment of whether the collaboration still made business sense.
Mugumbya also noted that the label had delayed issuing an official statement due to prior commitments involving a European promoter.
Addressing Online Speculation and Name Change Concerns
Mugumbya also responded to narratives circulating online that suggested Swangz Avenue had restricted the artist’s branding or digital assets.
He clarified that Zafaran’s decision to change her name and launch a new YouTube channel had been interpreted incorrectly by some observers.
According to him, this led to unnecessary assumptions that the label was interfering with her identity or content ownership.
He stressed that those claims were not accurate and did not reflect the actual agreement between both parties.
Transition Process Now Underway
The Swangz Avenue boss further stated that the issue surrounding her exit has now been resolved, and both sides are working on a proper handover process.
He confirmed that the label will continue to support Zafaran professionally, despite the end of their formal partnership.
Mugumbya described the artist as disciplined and talented, adding that Swangz Avenue still believes in her potential moving forward.
For him, the separation is simply part of normal industry operations rather than a sign of internal conflict.
A Common Industry Reality
Artist-label separations are a regular part of the music business, often driven by strategic, financial, or creative direction changes.
While such exits can attract public attention, many occur quietly behind the scenes through mutual agreements.
In this case, Mugumbya insists that the situation has been exaggerated online and should be understood within standard industry practice.
Moving Forward
As Zafaran continues her solo journey, and Swangz Avenue focuses on its wider roster, both sides appear to be moving in separate directions professionally.
Mugumbya’s remarks aim to settle speculation and reaffirm that there is no ongoing dispute between the label and the artist.
For now, both parties are focused on their respective next chapters in Uganda’s evolving music industry.