The dispute around the song “Amalanga Awafani” by Mas Musiq and Lawd Weezy, which features TO Starquality and DJ Maphorisa, appears to have influenced the song’s debut, pushing it up on the music charts.
According to the South African Music Chart, the song made a debut at #9 on the International Top 200 and #5 on the Local Top 100 after fuelling controversy on social media regarding music credits.
With its pulsating melody about changing days and distinctive vocals by Samthing Soweto, the Amapiano hit has lived up to expectations and continues to give hope to people going through difficult times.
Last week, renowned vocalist Samkelo ‘Samthing Soweto’ Mdolomba and master producer DJ Maphorisa drew attention after Mdolomba took to X with a string of posts to reveal that he was not credited for the recently released song.
“He didn’t produce my work. I worked with Mas Musiq and Kabza De Small in that studio, who produced between 40% and 60% of my work, depending on how you view it.
“Maphorisa shouldn’t lie the way he does. It’s going to get him into trouble one day. I paid Phori for my masters. I paid an amount he asked for at the time. Furthermore, I lied about Phori’s contributions to my project; He didn’t produce anything.
“They release my works without even informing me of release dates. When I ask what’s happening, they run to social media to discredit me before I can tell the truth.
In the video clip, DJ Maphorisa said that he had asked Samthing Soweto to send him an invoice years ago so that he could settle the amount owing and also own the masters to the “Isphithiphithi” album.
Responding to the video that has been circulated widely on social media, the vocalist said, “Ladies and gentlemen, here it is—@djmaphorisa confirms that I paid to own my work/masters. Which was the agreement we had vs. what he said in his initial video, where he stated that he gave me my masters? There's nothing wrong with me wanting to own my work.”
Also thriving on the charts is “Mfazi Wephepha” by Wanitwa Mos, Nkosazana Daughter, and Master KG featuring Big Zulu and Zee Nxumalo, which still flies high, holding on to the #5 spot on the International Top 200.
The Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za