Neo Makwa claims he was never paid for producing 2016 hit “Mayibabo” Picture: X
Award-winning producer Neo Makwa, known as Makwa Beats, has come forward to add to the allegations surrounding Itumeleng Bokaba's inadequate compensation.
Bokaba revealed she received only 59 cents after requesting credit for her contribution to Kwesta’s 2016 hit song “Mayebabo.” She claims music executive Nota Baloyi told her the money owed for her work went to Themba Sekowe, fondly known as DJ Maphorisa.
He took to X to express his surprise after learning that some of his co-creators of the “Mayibabo” song have received royalties when he has been paid a total of R0 for a song he produced.
Makwa made another post to clarify that Baloyi is the one who messed up, not Maphorisa, as many assumed.
“Maphorisa is not responsible for this f**k up; Nota is. He did the splits behind our backs,” he stated on X.
“Another thing, he did these splits alone without our knowledge, I only found out when I got myself a publisher,” he adds.
Maphorisa is not new to the music industry controversy. Just two weeks ago, he was accused by amapiano vocalist Samthing Soweto for lack of proper compensation for the music they have worked on together.
Although credited as one of the producers on the 2016 hit, Makwa also revealed he has not been paid for his work. In a follow-up post, he noted that while he produces music, those who were simply in the studio are receiving royalties.
He shared a screenshot from the South African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) website, which shows “The selected works have a total value of R0.”
“I produce music, and people who were in the studio are getting royalties. I'm going to SAMRO to remove their names. WTF,” he said.
Baloyi, however, denies being involved or credited as a composer on the song.
“Let them sort it out amongst themselves. I’m not credited as a composer; they must scr*w each other over and not involve me. Please and thank you very much!” he stated.
The dispute has heated up on X, with Baloyi asserting he has never been Makwa’s publisher and demanding the return of his belongings, threatening to file a theft case against him.
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