After months of being a driving force behind the popular “Piano Pulse” podcast, Munaka Muthambi, fondly known as Munaka, has announced that she is bowing out from the show.
"Piano Pulse," a new show promising a blend of entertainment, industry gossip, and a dash of spice, joined Mac G’s Podcast and Chill Network in August 2024.
The podcast came and delivered just that and more. The very first episode had an instant impact, with viewers up in arms due to the hosts’ views. Since then, the podcast gained a significant following.
Munaka has been an essential part of the podcast since its inception. The podcast, known for its unfiltered discussions and often-controversial comments, has been a staple in the podcasting world.
She started as a TikTok content creator before joining the podcast. In a statement, she expressed sadness over her departure and acknowledged the difficulty of her decision. She also mentioned how much she would miss her co-hosts, Sfiso Ndlovu and Thakgi Ledwaba.
😩Haibo Munaka wena just like that? ……Join us on Today’s episode of #PianoPulse as we say goodbye to your TikTok bestie Munaka🧳🥺
— Podcast and Chill Network (@podcastwithmacg) April 8, 2025
Episode 32, YouTube 🔴 at 3pm, Macg channel
All the best Naki❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/VpTepwRVTi
“I’ve made the decision today that I’m leaving 'Piano Pulse'. And it’s such a tough decision for me because I really want to be a part of the culture, and I love these guys so much,” she said.
She adds that this is a decision she prayed about and God has spoken to her so it’s something she has to do.
“My reasons have nothing to do with the whole Reason saga and our incident with Heineken; we’ve moved past that a long time ago," said Munaka.
During her days as host, she has often found herself at the center of several crossfires, which led to fans questioning her involvement in the podcast.
The recent incident was when amapiano artist Sizwe Alakine (formerly known as Reason) stopped by at the “Piano Pulse” studios. Tensions ran high when he addressed the comments made by Ndlovu and Ledwaba about his rapper girlfriend Gigi Lamayne.
Despite the controversies, Munaka maintained that her decision to leave was not driven by the negative attention. Instead, she mentioned personal growth and a desire to focus on new projects as the reasons behind her departure.
“I’m doing so many things, man, I need to focus on that. You’re gonna see me on your screens, but you might not see me on 'Piano Pulse' anymore,” she concluded.
Some fans have long felt that Munaka's association with the podcast was damaging to her image.
"Piano Pulse will be the death of Munaka 😭 she needs to get out!,” said X user @katlego_moseki.
Piano pulse will be the death of Munaka 😭 she needs to get out!
— KATLEGO ✨ (@katlego_moseki) March 18, 2025
@SimthoBiyela said: “l wish Munaka can get a job that’s not going to compromise her character for numbers, she’s too mature for this 'Piano Pulse' podcast.”
I wish Munaka can get a job that's not going to compromise her character for numbers, she's too matured for this Piano pulse podcast 💔 https://t.co/vtBstF897Y
— Vusumuzi Ka Biyela (@SimthoBiyela) March 19, 2025
@Winxx_777 congratulated her on leaving the podcast.
“Congratulations to Munaka for taking the big step to leave the Piano Pulse podcast. I know she's gonna look back and be grateful she took this giant leap! It can't be easy BUT from here, the only way is up my darling!!! 🥳YOU GOT THIS!!!”
Congratulations to Munaka for taking the big step to leave the Piano Pulse podcast. I know she's gonna look back and be grateful she took this giant leap! It can't be easy BUT from here, the only way is up my darling!!! 🥳 YOU GOT THIS!!! https://t.co/IuobBWV56E
— Winnie M. (@Winxx_777) April 8, 2025
Despite the controversy, Munaka’s dedication to the podcast has been unwavering. From the first episode to her final days as a co-host, she has been a driving force behind the show’s success.
Her departure marks the end of this era, and fans are looking forward to what is next for the popular podcast.