DJ Sbu was suspended for the second time by his employer YFM yesterday.

Management at the Gauteng-based youth station confirmed the month-long suspension but refused to disclose the reasons behind it.

But Sowetan understands that the DJ, whose real name is S'busiso Leope, violated the station's play-list policy by sneaking in and playing an album belonging to his protege Robbie Malinga.

According to a source, Sbu was supposed to have only played music compiled by the station's music compiler - DJ Monde. But the co-owner of TS Records, whose company receives royalties for their songs played on the station, was so determined to promote his artist that he bent the rules.

When approached for comment, the station's manager, Kanthan Pillay, said: "He was suspended this morning (yesterday). The rest of the details are private."

Both Sbu and his business partner, Thembinkosi Nciza, could not be reached for comment. Their cellphones rang unanswered.

Pillay says Sbu will be off air until March 2.

His suspension comes three months after he was hauled before a DC hearing and slapped with a written warning.

This was after the DJ accused MTV Base of exploiting local artists. MTV Base had brought US-based rap star The Game to perform with local artists, whom they allegedly refused to pay.

This incensed Sbu, who criticised the pay-per-view channel of exploiting local talent.

He did so despite the fact that all DJs were warned by the management not to say a word about the alleged discrepancy because MTV Base had apparently paid the station to promote the show.