Khanyi Mars Leaves Podcast and Chill’s “Music Pulse,” Stirring Online Reactions

Khanyi Mbau has officially exited Music Pulse, the music show under the Podcast and Chill Network umbrella. The news has generated widespread reactions across social media. Her departure comes a few months after the show underwent a major rebrand.

Khanyi Mars announced the news through her Instagram Stories on 19 May 2026. She confirmed officially leaving the network and that was no longer part of Music Pulse.

“I have officially taken the decision to leave Podcast and Chill network. I’m no longer part of Music Pulse. I am extremely grateful to the entire network,” Mars said. 

However, she did not explain the exact reasons behind her exit.

Photo: Instagram

The timing of her departure became a major talking point because the revamped Music Pulse just introduced controversial music executive Nota Baloyi as one of its co-hosts. The changes were unveiled during Podcast and Chill’s promoted “Cabinet Reshuffle” livestream event earlier this year. The panel then was Nota Baloyi, Khanyi Mars, Sfiso Ndlovu and Thakgi Ledwaba. Many viewers believed the new lineup would bring stronger engagement around the South African music industry.

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After Khanyi’s announcement, online discussions intensified, with some users pointing to what they described as a pattern of departures from the Podcast and Chill Network. An X  user HaositwePhiri tweeted:

First Moonaka, Seemah and now Mars. I’m seeing a pattern and I do not like the thoughts it’s evoking in me. @Solphendukaa what’s going there? Genuinely

Munaka had earlier left Piano Pulse, saying she wanted to focus on other priorities.

Another X user 33music_plug blamed Nota for the exit:

“Nota doesn’t give anyone space to share their opinion. He talks too much for my liking. There is an episode he cuts her off from Sharing her thoughts on the ongoing topic. Always claim he know all. That’s bad!”

The conversation was so intense that Podcast and Chill co-host Sol Phenduka addressed the speculation publicly on X. Responding to a user who suggested there might be deeper issues within the network, Sol argued that people leave jobs and workplaces all the time.

“A pattern Eyi. People leave jobs and positions  it happens everyday  in many SA companies.. Why do they leave?  fortunately you know all their social media accounts fam . Ask them. “

He told critics to ask the former hosts directly instead of creating conspiracy theories online.

Photo: Instagram

Khanyi Mars has remained a popular figure within South African entertainment culture for years. Apart from her podcast work, she is involved in reality television and online media. Her association with Podcast and Chill also attracted attention because fans had long linked her to the mysterious “Ghost Lady” identity connected to the network.

Khanyi Mars nor the management of Podcast and Chill Network has revealed whether her departure was connected to any disagreements. Social media users will continue to debate her departure until an official answer is given. Some believe the show will not be the same without her presence, while others hope the network introduces another major personality to fill the vacuum.