ISHMAEL Morabe is far from broke and living on the streets.

Instead, he enjoys the pleasure of cruising around town in a new sponsored Honda Brio.

Two weeks ago, Morabe, a member of the defunct hip-hop group Jozi, surprised everyone when he announced that he was leaving Muthaland, formerly known as Ghetto Ruff, after 20 years at the record company .

Muthaland boss Lance Stehr and Morabe said the split was amicable, but an insider suggested that the move blindsided Stehr.

"The first time he heard about it was after Ish's press conference," said the source.

Stehr, who had a nasty and protracted public break-up with kwaito star Zola a few years ago, would not be drawn on the reasons for Morabe's departure, saying only: "I wish him well."

Speaking to Sunday World this week, Morabe insisted that he was neither homeless nor living off handouts from friends.

"I live at Maboneng Precinct in Joburg. I don't know who this 'friend' saying that I'm broke the media spoke to is.

"Even if I was, I wouldn't stay on the streets. I would go home to my mother," he said.

To prove that he really has shelter, the musician gave Sunday World his home address.

A security guard at the apartment complex confirmed that the singer lives there.

Last week, the recovering drug addict revealed a cleaner and more polished version of himself.

The singer showed up at the launch of his new single, Hebanna,dressed in black with shiny gold embroidery, a look to ensure that he "pops", according to his new management.

The single will be followed by the release of his yet to be named solo album.

The change was "all about growth", Morabe said.

"It was time for me to evolve and welcome change, otherwise you become stagnant.

"The move will not affect [hip- hop groups] Jozi or Skeem."

About the drugs, he said: "It's a struggle. It will be with me until the day I die.

"I'm a bit better now. I'm more focused on my lifestyle. I'm still the same old Ishmael, just more responsible."

As for severing ties with Muthaland, the star was adamant that this was not another unsavoury Zola chapter in the record label's book.

"I don't enjoy fighting. I'm all about peace.

"With a relationship as long as ours, we will need each other for work from time to time."

Morabe still rides on the success of his old work, but it remains to be seen whether his new projects will earn him similar admiration from the public.

• georget@sundayworld.co.za