Amapiano powerhouse DJ Maphorisa has officially addressed the viral allegations made by Tebogo G Mashego regarding unpaid royalties for the hit track “Biri Marung.” The drama, which has been simmering since September 2025, reached a boiling point after Mashego accused the producer of withholding funds and leaving him stranded in Nigeria. During a candid Instagram Live session on Tuesday, Maphorisa didn’t just defend himself—he set the record straight on how the music business actually works.
“Who Told You That?” Maphorisa Questions the Critics
Addressing the narrative that he exploits artists, Maphorisa challenged the public to look for facts rather than social media trends.
- On Royalties: “Where do you find the proof… that I don’t pay royalties? Did you do research, or did you just hear one small boy say that and trend?”
- On Songwriting: Maphorisa clarified that Mashego did not write the song. According to the producer, the track was written by Ego, who strategically capitalized on Mashego’s TikTok fame.
- On the Humiliation: Phori admitted the public accusations were painful, noting that Mashego’s lack of professional music industry experience is why he was able to “insult” and “humiliate” the team so easily.
Paying Dues vs. Taking Shortcuts
The “Madumane” hitmaker used the moment to reflect on his own journey, contrasting his decades of discipline with the “shortcut” culture of the TikTok era.
“I’ve worked hard to get to where I am… I was signed under Kalawa [Jazmee]. You’ve never heard me say any bad sh*t about Kalawa. I paid my dues.” — DJ Maphorisa
He emphasized that his longevity is built on mutual respect between generations, noting that even legends like Oskido consult him, just as he consults Kabza De Small to keep up with the changing game.
