His reality show has been on TV for a little more than a month and so far, it's been one interesting and sometimes shocking bombshell after the other.
Bongani Fassie, son of the late veteran singer Brenda Fassie, launched his reality show, Finding Bongani on Moja Love, DSTV channel 157 in June.
The show follows Bongani’s journey as the child of superstar Brenda. He speaks about the mystery behind his mother’s death and reveals some family skeletons.
The latest episode had South Africans shocked. He speaks openly about his battle with drug addiction.
He points a finger at Muthaland Entertainment founder Lance Stehr. Bongani accuses Lance of offering him his first cocaine hit while at the height of his career with rap group Jozi. He alleged Lance also gave him access to drugs when his career took a downward fall.
Veteran artist and Ayashisa Amateki singer Mercy Phakela accused Lance of offering young artists narcotics.
Lance has worked with musicians such as Nathi Mankayi, Prophets Of The City, Brasse Vannie Kaap, DJ Cleo, and many more.
"He is the drug's master. He feeds the children drugs so that they don't think straight,” says Mercy.
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The record label owner was once named by Zola 7 as being “evil” for allegedly ruining his career. But Lance denies ever giving anyone narcotics.
“I have been named many things, but this is the worst,” Lance says.
“It is not true, and I am truly devastated by these allegations.”
Artists have come forward to back Lance on the claims. Artists Vusi Nova and Ishmael Morabe took to social media to share their views.
“Really? I have known Lance for over eight years. I have never seen Lance doing drugs or giving any artists drugs. He has certainly never given me drugs. The only drug he has given me was probably a Grandpa,” Vusi says.
“For me, such allegations are very damaging, not only to Lance but to Muthaland and the artists. It makes us look stupid that we are allowing this man to feed us drugs, so we are unable to think for ourselves. I do not do drugs. I used to, in that time Lance was not part of my life, and when I started working with him, I told him about my past and he supported me. The Lance that I know would not be distributing drugs to his artists,” Vusi says.
DaLes said Lance is responsible for making his career.
"As you all know, he is responsible for putting together my career and other people's careers. I still remain very close to him. It's such a shame for someone who has put so much time, love and effort into the music industry having thrown back in his face with lies. I have never seen him offer anybody drugs. For someone who is close to 38 years old and not able to take accountability is a immature. However I am speaking for myself. I am a full supporter of Lance because he has done so much for my career."
Ishmael called the claims unfounded.
”Those are strong allegations. I personally know Lance; he wouldn’t do anything like that. He is the person that assisted to take me to rehab. Back in the day, we would go on tours promoting anti-drug use. He would kick out people who he heard were on drugs in many of our studio sessions. It’s a shame to his legacy and his family,” Ishmael says.
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Veteran DJ Ready D believes the accusations are a conspiracy.
“I’m shocked by these allegations. This is totally false, as my experience with Lance goes. I hope that the law takes its course, and these malicious statements are put to bed,” Ready D says.
“Not once was drug use ever advocated in all the years that we have worked together. Lance always advised against it, he always had our interest at heart and pushed us to excel. All the tours that we did locally and internationally were about improving social and political conditions. We did the anti-drug school tours because we want change in our communities. The person making these allegations has a very destructive agenda and is not considering how many lives will be affected by these harmful statements,” Ready D adds.
Singer and songwriter, Ntando says he has also never been offered drugs by Lance.
“I was very entertained watching the show. I heard about the drug thingy. Sis Mercy Phakela talking there. From me to you, I have never had drugs, never tried, and never will. Ixhego niyali sukela (the old man is being attacked),” Ntando says.
The label owner has consulted with lawyers and says he will be taking legal action.
