Who is Nota Baloyi?
Nota Baloyi, a name that reverberates with both admiration and controversy in the pulsating heart of South Africa’s music industry, stands as a polarizing figure whose journey from a Soweto-bred rapper to a formidable music executive and media provocateur encapsulates the raw ambition and tumultuous dynamics of hip-hop culture.
Born Nhlamulo Baloyi on March 20, 1990, in Parktown, Johannesburg, this self-styled “Authority” has shaped the careers of artists like Kwesta and Sho Madjozi, while his outspoken commentary and legal battles, ranging from contempt of court to hate speech allegations, have cemented his reputation as a disruptor.
At 35, his path, marked by the founding of SoFet Urbantainment, a directorship at The Orchard, and a high-profile divorce from Berita, reflects a potent blend of entrepreneurial grit, cultural influence, and unrelenting controversy, positioning him as a pivotal yet divisive force in African entertainment as of June 4, 2025.
This Nota Baloyi’s biography delves into the complex ascent of a man whose unapologetic voice and strategic vision have redefined South African hip-hop, offering a lens into the interplay of talent, provocation, and personal turmoil that fuels his legacy.
From his early days memorizing rap lyrics in Soweto to producing SAMA-winning albums and facing a 2025 SAHRC lawsuit for alleged anti-white hate speech, Nota Baloyi’s career is a saga of remarkable achievements tempered by feuds, legal woes, and public backlash.
His personal life, shaped by a privileged upbringing, a contentious marriage, and a relentless social media presence, adds depth to a figure whose influence divides fans and critics alike.
What follows is an in-depth exploration of his early years, pre-prominence hustle, industry dominance, major achievements, personal life, and the evolving legacy of an executive whose bold defiance, from Johannesburg’s studios to the digital battlefield, continues to reshape South Africa’s music scene, one provocative statement at a time.
Nota Baloyi’s Wikidata
| Name | Nhlamulo “Nota” Baloyi |
| Date of Birth | March 20, 1990 |
| Age | 35 years old |
| Place of Birth | Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $500,000 to $1 million USD |
| Source | Bsgistnews.com |
Nhlamulo Baloyi’s Early Life and Education
Nhlamulo Baloyi, professionally known as Nota Baloyi or Lavida Nota, was born on March 20, 1990, in Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Confusion surrounds his birthplace, with some sources, like Ubetoo (2022) and BuzzSouthAfrica (2022), claiming he was born in Kampala, Uganda, but Baloyi clarified in a 2024 Own Narrative Podcast interview, stating, “I was born in Parktown, South Africa. I live in Fourways, where I grew up.”
Raised in Soweto and later Fourways, he grew up in a privileged family, with his father reportedly owning a construction company, though specific details about his parents and siblings remain private, as Baloyi rarely discusses his family.
His early exposure to music in Soweto’s vibrant cultural scene shaped his passion, with influences like Puff Daddy and Notorious B.I.G. inspiring him to memorize and modify rap lyrics as a teen.
Nota Baloyi’s educational background is sparsely documented. He studied media and business, likely at a reputable South African institution, which equipped him with skills for the entertainment industry, per EntrepreneurHub (2022).
However, he revealed in the 2024 podcast* that he dropped out of high school, suggesting a rebellious streak and self-driven path.
His articulate communication and business acumen, evident in his career, imply a blend of formal and self-taught knowledge, though specific schools or qualifications remain unverified.
Career Before Prominence
Baloyi entered the South African music scene as a rapper, driven by a desire to emulate his cousin Sticks, one of the country’s first solo rappers, and global icons like Puff Daddy, whom he aspired to mirror as “South Africa’s Puff Daddy” (News24, 2016).
He released early singles like “Karama,” “Sphesihle,” and “Preacher” (featuring Kwesta), gaining modest attention for their local hip-hop flair.
His lyrical talent and Soweto roots resonated with fans, but his ambition soon shifted toward management and production.
In the early 2010s, Nota Baloyi began managing artists, leveraging his industry insights to nurture talent.
He founded SoFet Urbantainment CC, a record label focused on promoting South African artists, and worked closely with rappers like Kwesta, becoming his manager and business partner.
His behind-the-scenes role in shaping Kwesta’s career, including hits like “Ngud’,” marked his transition from artist to executive.
By 2018, he was producing music, notably his then-wife Berita’s SAMA-winning album Songs in the Key of Love, and mentoring talents like Sho Madjozi, securing her Epic Records deal and BET award.
These early achievements established Nota Baloyi as a rising force, though his outspoken nature began stirring controversy.
Baloyi’s Prominent Career and Controversies
Nota Baloyi’s prominence surged in June 2019 when he became director at The Orchard, a Sony Music Entertainment subsidiary, solidifying his influence in artist development and distribution.
As CEO of SoFet Urbantainment and deputy chairman of the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA), he positioned himself as a key player in South African hip-hop, claiming to be a “pioneer” who shared industry “codes” for free, per Ubetoo (2022).
His work with Kwesta, Sho Madjozi, and others earned accolades, including producing multiple SAMA awards, but his career is equally defined by controversies.
Nota Baloyi’s blunt social media commentary, often targeting peers like Cassper Nyovest, Nasty C, and AKA, earned him the moniker “The Authority” but also notoriety as a provocateur.
His 2021 feud with rapper Stogie T allegedly turned physical, buzzing on X, while his 2022 comments comparing influencer Mihlali Ndamase to a dog sparked outrage, prompting his wife Berita’s public separation announcement.
In 2023, he was sentenced to 60 days in prison by the Joburg High Court for contempt, ignoring a gag order from rapper K.O. after implicating K.O.’s brother in AKA’s assassination, per ThrillNG (2023).
Baloyi maintained his accusations, fueling debates on X, with some like @azania1023 (2025) hailing him as a “GOAT” for his defiance.
Legal troubles escalated in 2024.
Nota Baloyi faced charges of reckless driving and assaulting a police officer, which he claimed was a setup, and a r@pe charge that was later withdrawn, celebrated by fans on X (Briefly.co.za, 2024).
In February 2025, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) announced legal action against him for alleged anti-white hate speech during a Hustlers Corner SA podcast, where he criticized white South Africans’ “moral authority” on racism, per BBC News Pidgin (2025).
The SAHRC sought a public apology, fines, and sensitivity training, though Baloyi’s response remains unreported.
His creator role in The Nota Show and social media presence (@lavidanota, 34.6K Instagram followers) amplify his polarizing voice.
Major Achievements
Nota Baloyi’s achievements include managing Kwesta to multiple SAMA awards and securing Sho Madjozi’s BET award and Epic Records deal.
He executively produced Berita’s SAMA-winning Songs in the Key of Love (2018) and served as deputy chairman of RISA, shaping industry standards.
As director at The Orchard since 2019, he’s driven artist development, while SoFet Urbantainment has nurtured talents.
Though he hasn’t won personal awards, his influence as a hip-hop commentator and mentor is undeniable, with X posts like @azania1023 (2025) praising his resilience against legal and personal setbacks.
His advocacy for artist rights and financial literacy, per EntrepreneurHub (2022), further cements his impact.
Personal Life
Nota Baloyi married Zimbabwean-born Afro-soul singer Gugulethu “Berita” Khumalo in July 2020 during a private COVID-19 lockdown ceremony.
Berita, known for hits like “Thandolwethu,” was a RISA board member and founder of Women of Music Business (WOMB).
Their marriage unraveled in January 2022 when Berita left, citing safety concerns and narcissistic abuse, per a 2023 Kaya 959 interview.
Baloyi’s inflammatory comments about Mihlali Ndamase triggered her departure, and their divorce finalized in June 2024, with Baloyi claiming Berita sought citizenship, a claim she didn’t directly address (The South African, 2024). They have no children.
Nota Baloyi’s personal life is otherwise private, with little known about his family beyond his father’s construction business.
He resides in Fourways, Johannesburg, and maintains an active social media presence, often sharing lifestyle posts and industry critiques.
His 2023 Twitter suspension for cyberbullying Berita and others, per The South African (2023), underscores his contentious online persona.
Despite legal battles, he remains outspoken, recently commenting on political issues like Rwanda-South Africa tensions (Briefly.co.za, 2024).
Legacy and Impact
At 35, as of June 4, 2025, Nota Baloyi’s net worth is estimated at $500,000 to $1 million USD (approximately R7.5 million to R15 million), per EntrepreneurHub (2022) and Claridan TV (2024), derived from music production, SoFet Urbantainment, The Orchard role, and consulting.
Some sources, like NGNews247 (2023), cite $600,000, while Baloyi claims “millions” from rap alone, though unverified.
His legacy is a paradox of influence and infamy. As a music executive, he’s shaped South African hip-hop, mentoring stars and advocating for artist ownership, earning admiration from fans on X for his resilience against jail and divorce (@azania1023, 2025).
His strategic investments in media, PR, and properties reflect entrepreneurial savvy.
However, his controversies, legal battles, hate speech allegations, and feuds with AKA, K.O., and others, cast a shadow, with News24 (2023) labeling him a potential “internet troll” needing intervention.
Critics, including The South African (2023), highlight his misogynistic remarks and cyberbullying, while supporters view him as a truth-teller challenging industry norms.
His 2025 SAHRC case and past imprisonment underscore a polarizing figure whose outspokenness drives both impact and isolation.
As he navigates ongoing legal challenges and industry influence, Nota Baloyi’s journey, from Soweto’s music enthusiast to a divisive mogul, remains a complex saga of talent, ambition, and unrelenting controversy, shaping South African hip-hop one provocative post at a time.
Conclusion
Nota Baloyi’s journey through the interesting environment of South African hip-hop stands as a compelling proof to raw ambition, unrelenting candor, and the complex interplay of influence and controversy, a narrative that arcs from the culturally rich streets of Soweto to the commanding heights of music industry leadership and public notoriety.
Born Nhlamulo Baloyi on March 20, 1990, in Parktown, Johannesburg, this self-proclaimed “Authority” transformed his early passion for rap into a formidable career, managing stars like Kwesta and Sho Madjozi, producing SAMA-winning albums, and holding a directorship at The Orchard, all while amassing a net worth estimated at $500,000 to $1 million as of June 4, 2025.
His legacy, woven with groundbreaking contributions to artist development and marred by legal battles, including a 2023 contempt conviction, 2024 assault charges, and a 2025 SAHRC lawsuit for alleged hate speech, embodies the paradox of a figure whose brilliance is matched by his propensity for provocation.
His legacy is a multifaceted mosaic of transformative impact and divisive actions.
As founder of SoFet Urbantainment and deputy chairman of RISA, Baloyi has shaped South African hip-hop, securing BET awards for Sho Madjozi and mentoring talents to global stages, earning admiration from supporters on X like @azania1023 who laud his resilience against adversity.
His advocacy for artist ownership and financial literacy, as noted by EntrepreneurHub (2022), has empowered a generation, while his media ventures, like The Nota Show, amplify his voice.
Yet, his feuds with peers like Cassper Nyovest, AKA, and K.O., coupled with misogynistic remarks and cyberbullying, culminating in a 2023 Twitter suspension, have alienated many, with News24 (2023) suggesting he borders on trolling.
The collapse of his marriage to Berita, marked by allegations of narcissistic abuse, and legal entanglements, from reckless driving to withdrawn rape charges, underscore a polarizing persona that thrives on confrontation.
On a personal level, Nota Baloyi remains an enigmatic figure, raised in privilege in Fourways, yet rooted in Soweto’s hustle, with a private family life overshadowed by public scandals.
His social media presence (@lavidanota), with 34.6K Instagram followers, blends industry critique with lifestyle bravado, maintaining relevance despite setbacks like his 2023 imprisonment.
As of June 4, 2025, Nota Baloyi stands at a critical crossroads, his influence in hip-hop endures through SoFet Urbantainment and The Orchard, yet the SAHRC’s hate speech case and past legal woes threaten his credibility, with potential fines and public apologies looming.
Whether history will remember him as a visionary pioneer who reshaped South African music or a controversial provocateur whose feuds overshadowed his talents, his impact, from Soweto’s rap battles to Johannesburg’s boardrooms, is indelible, a legacy of defiance, ingenuity, and unresolved tension that continues to stir South Africa’s cultural discourse, one outspoken post at a time.
FAQs
Q. Who is Nota Baloyi?
Nota Baloyi, born Nhlamulo Baloyi on March 20, 1990, in Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa, is a music executive, former rapper, and media personality known as “The Authority.” He founded SoFet Urbantainment, manages artists like Kwesta, and serves as a director at The Orchard (Sony Music), while his outspoken commentary fuels his controversial reputation.
Q. What is Nota Baloyi’s net worth?
As of June 4, 2025, his net worth is estimated at $500,000 to $1 million USD (approximately R7.5 million to R15 million), derived from music production, his SoFet Urbantainment label, his role at The Orchard, and consulting, though exact figures are unverified and vary across sources like EntrepreneurHub (2022).
Q. Why is Nota Baloyi so controversial?
Baloyi’s feuds with artists like Cassper Nyovest, AKA, and K.O., including a 2023 contempt conviction for defying a gag order implicating K.O.’s brother in AKA’s murder, have drawn scrutiny. His 2022 misogynistic remarks about Mihlali Ndamase, 2023 Twitter suspension for cyberbullying, and 2025 SAHRC lawsuit for alleged anti-white hate speech fuel his polarizing image, per The South African (2023–2024).
Q. What happened to Nota Baloyi’s marriage to Berita?
Baloyi married Zimbabwean singer Berita (Gugulethu Khumalo) in July 2020, but they separated in January 2022 after Berita cited safety concerns and narcissistic abuse, triggered by Baloyi’s comments about Mihlali Ndamase. Their divorce finalized in June 2024, with Baloyi alleging Berita sought citizenship, a claim she didn’t directly address, per Kaya 959 (2023).
Q. What are Nota Baloyi’s major achievements in music?
He managed Kwesta to multiple SAMA awards, secured Sho Madjozi’s BET award and Epic Records deal, and executively produced Berita’s SAMA-winning Songs in the Key of Love (2018). As deputy chairman of RISA and director at The Orchard since 2019, he’s shaped South African hip-hop, advocating for artist rights, as noted by Ubetoo (2022).
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