Ekali claims he’s been ‘shadowbanned’ by the music industry after relationship drama and hiatus

Ekali has stated online that he has been ‘shadowbanned’ by the music industry following his tumultuous breakup with Sam Blacky and brief break from the scene.

Canadian DJ and music producer Nathan Shaw, who professionally goes by the stage name Ekali, has been a vocal part of the music business since 2013. He has collaborated with popular EDM artists including Skrillex, ZHU, Illenium, and Elohim. The Vancouver-based artist also launched his label, Awakening Records, in Spring 2024.

Ekali has always been vocal on social media and recently made a statement on his Instagram story about his alleged current standing in the industry. “Sooo I still sell out 1,000+ cap venues, but not a single agent wants to book me,” he wrote. “Guys I think I’ve been shadowbanned from the industry.”

The term “shadow banned” means that an account’s posts do not receive as much recognition online and are not promoted to the masses. The 33-year-old expressed his disappointment over the speculated reasoning with three tear-eyed smile emojis at the end of the sentence. He maintained an optimistic outlook and teased that he booked several more showcases for his label Awakening in the first three months of 2025.

Music lovers can expect to see “insane lineups” that he was very “hyped” for. He also confirmed that one performance will be set in the San Francisco Bay Area. Ekali appreciated his fans and shared a “big thank you to everyone listening to the new music and supporting all the young talent on the label. “Thank you to all the promoters taking a risk and giving us a platform,” he added.

Ekali took a two-year break from the spotlight to focus on himself after his difficult and public separation from his ex-fiancée and fellow musical artist Sam Blacky at the end of 2020 citing domestic violence allegations. By June 2021, he was quickly engaged to Vancouver-based musician and model Tallyn. He returned to the scene in 2023 with songs like “Alinea” with BROKN and “Purity” and live show performances that blended trap, house, trance, and bass. 

Now, he has shifted his focus to building his roster of performers under his emerging label and providing opportunities for up-and-coming artists.

Featured Image – Facebook/ Ekali Music