DJ Maphorisa, a key figure in the Amapiano genre, shed light on the fierce competitiveness of the South African music scene, sharing how he intervened to free his long-time partner, Kabza De Small, from a detrimental and underpaying recording contract.
During a heated discussion on Podcast and Chill with MacG, Maphorisa recounted the pivotal financial moment that solidified their partnership, which is worth millions, and established them as the unrivaled leaders in the genre.
Maphorisa mentioned that Kabza De Small had been stuck in an unfair record agreement that undervalued his skills and significant talent.
Understanding his capabilities, Maphorisa used his influence in the industry and his long-standing connection with Sony Music to initiate a significant rescue operation.
“I had to save him from that lame deal,” Maphorisa elaborated, emphasizing his desire to transition Kabza into “real money business.”
The rescue effort led to a groundbreaking agreement with Sony Music, altering their financial paths dramatically.
Maphorisa disclosed that the label provided an astonishing advance of R42 Million to R44 Million.
Rather than receiving a joint sum, the arrangement was designed for both DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small to each receive R22 Million as an advance.
These funds were allocated to boost their respective enterprises—Maphorisa’s Blaqboy Music (New Money Gang) and Kabza’s PianoHub.
Even though large record label advances typically come with intense expectations to produce a significant quantity of music, Maphorisa is immensely proud of transforming the South African music industry model.
He noted that they managed to repay the substantial multi-million-rand advance through their prolific studio output and impressive streaming figures, and now they are setting their sights even higher.
“On our next deal, we could ask Sony Music for R100 Million,” Maphorisa confidently stated during the podcast, showcasing that their business synergy is as strong as their musical collaboration.
