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Amapiano star Scotts Maphuma’s refusal to snap selfies with fans has triggered an online storm that’s threatening to derail his career.
Makhadzi and Scotts. Picture: Instagram
Amapiano star Scotts Maphuma’s refusal to snap selfies with fans has triggered an online storm that’s threatening to derail his career.
Despite reported apologies from both himself and superstar Makhadzi, many in Mzansi aren’t ready to forgive him just yet.
Scotts Maphuma, real name Mpho Lenora, has long been celebrated for his electrifying amapiano beats, particularly since featuring on the late Riky Rick’s hit Cishe Ngaposta.
But a public relations nightmare has turned the spotlight from his music to his manners.
Accused of ignoring fans in public and refusing photo requests, the once-beloved musician now finds himself at odds with the very people who put him on the map.
What started as a storm in a teacup quickly escalated into a full-blown artist vs. fans showdown on social media.
Attempting to defend his behaviour, Scott addressed the controversy earlier this month.
“I’m tired of being judged for not always being in the mood to take pictures or interact with fans,” he said.
He described the pressure of fame as overwhelming, adding: “I can’t even go to the mall without being asked for a picture.”
During an appearance on rapper L-Tido’s podcast, he stood firm on his stance:
“If I don’t want to take a picture, then I don’t want to.”
His blunt honesty, however, only fanned the flames.
“Maybe South Africa should cancel me so I can be free,” he added, a statement that further fuelled public resentment.
The backlash was swift and severe.
At Cotton Fest, the crowd offered a chilly reception, refusing to sing along or engage with Scotts during his set.
Things worsened when Rustenburg’s Vogue Lounge 014 announced the cancellation of his booked performance due to public pressure.
Seeing the writing on the wall, Scotts took to social media to offer a mea culpa, appearing on a live video with DJ Maphorisa and saying:
“Those who are angry with me, I’m sorry. It’s a misunderstanding.”
An apology later appeared on Twitter/X, which the artist said is not his, angering fans even more.
“I want to take a moment to sincerely apologise to all my supporters. I’ve let some of you down, and I take full responsibility. Growth comes with owning your mistakes, and I’m committed to doing better, for myself and for you. Thank you for still believing in me.”
He later denied the message came from him, saying he doesn’t have an X account
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Award-winning artist Makhadzi weighed in, saying the fiasco made her feel like apologising on his behalf.
“At some point I felt like apologising on Skot Maphoma’s behalf because I realised he was just excited and forgot people who streamed his music, including me. I am his fan, but I was disappointed.”
She recounted a time when she owed R6 million to the South African Revenue Service and fans helped her survive.
“We are nothing without you guys. I managed to make peace with the government because of your support.”
Her heartfelt message was met with mixed reactions.
Critics questioned her sincerity and even mocked her for misspelling Scotts’ name.
The least you could’ve done is Googled his name,” one user commented.
Another added, “Makhadzi writes like this because she knows that’s when you guys give her attention.”
In response, Makhadzi slammed X’s harsh culture:
“The reason I don’t play on Twitter is because you guys sometimes give a person a rope to hang herself.”
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Despite the backlash, Scotts has earned the backing from some major players in the music industry.
Grammy Award-winning DJ Black Coffee and kwaito legend Oskido have reportedly expressed their support for the young star, acknowledging that while he made mistakes, he’s still learning and growing.
While Scotts has made several public attempts to right his wrongs, many fans remain unmoved.
Mzansi’s social media scene is watching closely to see whether his words will translate into action.
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