‘I’m no longer active in politics’ – Ringo Madlingozi returns to his purpose

Renowned singer, Ringo Madlingozi, has confirmed that he is leaving politics and returning to being a music artist, although he remains a member of the Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF).

“I’m no longer active in politics. I will always love my brothers and sisters. My purpose to heal through my music will remain. I will die a fighter,” the South African songwriter announced in a social media post on Saturday.

In a shock move in 2019, the Sondela Sthandwa singer became a Member of Parliament (MP) of the EFF cementing his commitment to politics.

Now, Madlingozi’s name does not appear in the party’s list of its 46 parliamentarians in the National Assembly.

Ringo denies leaving EFF

Last year, Madlingozi had to quell rumours of him leaving the EFF to scratch his creative itches to make music.

“Your journalism is fraud. Your lies hide behind your ‘reliable sources’. Your wishes can never be mine.

“What you must write is the re-emergence of my catalogue on all digital platforms for the first time on 15 September. I’m EFF South Africa through and through. Your juno’s are liars,” averred Madlingozi in 2023.

The rumours of his political exit came after the veteran performer reportedly signed a deal with Sony for his music to be available on streaming platforms.

The aforementioned deal was reported that it also included the release of new music, which is expected in 2024.

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At the time the EFF’s deputy president, Floyd Shivambu, described the reports as “absolute rubbish and evidently spread by desperate idiots who know nothing about the EFF”.

“Fighter Ringo Madlingozi is a member of the EFF in good standing and deployed to the National Assembly by the socialist, pan-Africanist, and anti-imperialist economic liberation movement,” Shivambu said.

But a closer look at Madlingozi’s X timeline, the muso has been dropping hints about making music and his passion for it.

Member of iconic Kwaito group Trompies, Eugene Mthethwa, is no longer an MP for the EFF.

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The legendary musician was sworn in at Parliament in June 2023.

Mthethwa was member at the National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture and was also an alternate member at Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition .