In statements made via social media, Mashego has claimed, “Scorpion Kings and Sony Music have made millions from ‘Biri Marung,’ yet I have not received my fair share.” His assertions state that DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, along with their associated labels, have amassed over R64 million from various events while he remains unpaid. He is now seeking R23 million in outstanding royalties.
The situation escalated when Mashego disclosed that he was left stranded in Nigeria after a gig was canceled, and he lacked the resources to return home. In an emotional live stream, he shared his predicament, which resonated with many fans and fellow artists, highlighting the difficulties faced by emerging musicians who lack strong management support.
During this critical time, DJ Karri offered assistance. “I couldn’t watch a brother in music struggle like that,” he remarked after arranging a flight for Mashego to come back to South Africa. Karri’s actions received widespread acclaim on social media, emphasizing the need for unity within the amapiano community.
Mashego has continued to make headlines through his candid Instagram Live sessions, where he has made controversial statements regarding Scott’s Maphuma and Toss. He asserted that Maphuma is not originally from South Africa and stated that the BMW M4 often seen with him actually belongs to Gipa Entertainment rather than Maphuma. Furthermore, he alleged that Toss’s luxury items are counterfeit. This has led to mixed reactions online, with some praising Mashego’s courage while others expressed concern that he might be diverting attention from his primary issue of unpaid royalties.
This incident has sparked a broader dialogue regarding royalties, contractual obligations, and fairness within the music industry. Many fans and artists are rallying around hashtags like #PayTebogo and #BiriMarungRoyalties, calling for measures to protect artists from being exploited. For some, it serves as a cautionary reminder about the necessity of clear agreements and financial acumen in the rapidly growing amapiano genre.
Although Scorpion Kings and Sony Music have not provided a comprehensive response, the issue continues to gain traction across various online platforms. For Tebogo Mashego, what was once an opportunity for success has turned into a quest for his rightful earnings and greater accountability within one of South Africa’s most prominent cultural movements.
