Teargas remains one of the most influential groups in South African hip-hop history. Nearly two decades after releasing some of their biggest hits, songs such as “Chance”, “Mhlobo Wami” and “Wake Up” continue to bring back memories of an era when the group dominated the local music scene.
With several successful albums, major industry awards and a gold-certified project to their name, Teargas appeared unstoppable. However, behind the music and commercial success, disagreements were developing that would eventually bring the group’s journey to an end.
At the centre of the fallout was the formation of Cash Time Life, a business venture that exposed differences between group members and left a lasting divide.
Teargas built an impressive South African hip-hop legacy
Formed in 2004, Teargas quickly established themselves as a major force in the local music industry.
Their debut album, K’shubile K’bovu, arrived in July 2006 and received strong recognition. Its single “Chance” went on to earn a Song of the Year nomination at the 2007 South African Music Awards.
The group followed up with Wafa Wafa on 15 May 2008. The album blended hip-hop with elements of kwaito and won Best Rap Album at the 2008 SAMAs.
Their third project, Dark and Blue, released in 2009, achieved gold status after selling 25,000 units in South Africa. It also received an Album of the Year nomination at the 16th Annual SAMAs.
In 2010, Teargas received another major milestone when they were nominated for Best International Act at the BET Awards.
Years later, the group returned with Number Number in 2022, a project that topped South African music charts and earned multiple nominations.
Their achievements placed them among the country’s most celebrated hip-hop groups. But success did not prevent the disagreements that eventually affected their relationship.
Cash Time Life became the centre of the disagreement
The creation of Cash Time Life, a South African music publishing company and record label, became a major turning point in the group’s history.
The wider Cash Time Fam collective brought together artists including K.O, Ma-E, Maggz, Kid X, Moozlie, AB Crazy, Smashis and DJ Vigilante.
For some members, the venture represented an opportunity to expand their business interests and build something beyond the group. However, disagreements emerged over how the business was structured and who would be involved.
In an interview with SA Hip Hop Mag, Ntukza claimed he felt sidelined during the process. He recalled attending a meeting where he was asked whether he wanted to be part of Cash Time, saying he had agreed.
However, he alleged that the situation changed shortly afterwards and that he was presented with paperwork without being properly involved in the discussions.
Ntukza expressed disappointment over what he considered a lack of respect, explaining that he expected to be consulted about an important business decision.
K.O. gives a different version of the Cash Time story
K.O. has strongly disputed the suggestion that Ntukza was deliberately excluded from the business arrangement.
In his own interview with SA Hip Hop Mag, the rapper explained that the original proposal was to have four directors, with each receiving an equal 25% share.
According to K.O., the proposal was presented to all four members, but some declined the opportunity to participate.
He maintained that the arrangement was not intended to disadvantage anyone and that the group had to respect the decision of those who did not want to be involved.
K.O. explained that the final structure had three directors: himself, Ma-E and another member, with the shares divided equally.
The conflicting accounts have left fans with two different perspectives on what happened behind the scenes.
While Ntukza felt that he had not been treated fairly, K.O. maintained that the opportunity had been presented and that the eventual business structure followed the decisions made by the members.
Reunion discussions have failed to bring Teargas back together
Despite the group’s separation, fans have continued to hope for a reunion.
Over the years, conversations about a possible comeback have surfaced, including discussions around a potential appearance at Back to the City.
Ntukza has indicated that he would be open to putting differences aside for the bigger picture and the business opportunity. He has also acknowledged that promoters continue to show interest in seeing the group perform together again.
However, he has remained focused on his individual career.
K.O. has also spoken openly about the distance between the former group members. He revealed that he had not spoken to Ntukza since 2018, with an earlier period of limited communication dating back to 2014.
An attempt to discuss a reunion in 2018 reportedly fell apart following public exchanges and personal comments.
K.O. has also stressed that any Teargas reunion would need to be genuine, while maintaining that the group’s original approach to equal business arrangements remained important to him.
Will Teargas ever share the stage again?
The possibility of seeing Teargas perform together again remains a major talking point among South African hip-hop fans.
Their music continues to enjoy recognition, and tracks such as “Chance” and “Wake Up” remain reminders of the group’s impact on the local scene.
However, the unresolved personal and business disagreements appear to have made a reunion difficult.
For now, Teargas’ legacy remains firmly established through its music, awards and influence on South African hip-hop.
The question is whether the former members can eventually move beyond their differences and give fans the reunion they have been waiting for.
What do you think caused the end of Teargas? Do you find Ntukza’s or K.O.’s account of the Cash Time dispute more convincing? And which Teargas song would you most want to hear performed live again?
