The “New Era” of the Podcast and Chill Network has officially arrived, but it didn’t come without its fair share of fireworks. Following the airing of the Reshuffle Round Table on 27 February 2026, fans have been dissecting a particularly tense exchange between co-host Sol Phenduka and the always-controversial Nota Baloyi.
As social media began to buzz with claims that Sol “despises” the music executive, the radio veteran took to X (formerly Twitter) to set the record straight.
The “New Era” Friction
The tension reached a boiling point during the roundtable discussion intended to unveil the network’s refreshed line-up. Viewers noted a palpable chill in the room as Sol and Nota traded barbs, leading one user, SIYA_VS, to confront Sol directly:
“@Solphendukaa, you hate Nota, neh? Like, everything you said… just showed that you despise the guy.”
Sol was quick to dismiss the narrative, replying plainly: “No man, I don’t hate Nota.”
The Battle for Sizwe Dhlomo’s Friendship
Interestingly, the core of the on-air friction wasn’t about politics or music—it was a competitive debate over who is closer to veteran broadcaster Sizwe Dhlomo. The exchange turned into a hilarious “best friend” standoff:
- The “Boy” Debate: Sol referred to Sizwe as “his boy” while offering to call him to clarify claims regarding Kaya 959. Nota immediately fired back: “He’s not ‘your boy,’ he’s my boy,” citing a friendship that dates back to their high school days.
- The “Trevor Noah” Standard: Sol countered by questioning the exclusivity of the bond. “Have you been to Sizwe’s house? No one just goes to Sizwe’s house. Only people like Trevor Noah go to his house, not just any random person,” Sol quipped, sparking a wave of memes across the “Chillers” community.
A New Chapter for the Network
Despite the verbal sparring, the reshuffle marks a strategic expansion for MacG’s empire. By bringing voices like Nota into the fold, the network is doubling down on its reputation for “unfiltered” and often polarizing content, ensuring that the Podcast and Chill Network remains the most talked-about platform in South African digital media.
