Itumeleng Bokaba, also known as Okashi, shares her experience in the music industry. Picture: Instagram
Former YoTV presenter Itumeleng Bokaba, also known by her stage name Okashi, revealed that she was paid only 59 cents after requesting credit for her contribution to Kwesta’s hit song “Mayibabo,” where she sang the chorus.
In a recent TikTok video, Bokaba was asked whether her vocals are featured on “Mayibabo”. She shared that she fought for recognition by asking SAMRO (South African Music Rights Organisation) to credit her, but only received 59 cents in revenue.
@okashii_za Replying to @Subzero @Kayleo21 itumeleng bokaba maybabo verse mayibabo #kwesta #mayibabo #itumelengbokaba #mampho ♬ original sound - Itumeleng Bokaba🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦![CDATA[]]>🇸![CDATA[]]>🇿
The song, performed by local rapper Kwesta, also features DJ Maphorisa, DJ Buckz, and Okmalumkoolkat.
Bokaba later discovered that the money owed to her had been given to DJ Maphorisa, whose real name is Themba Sekowe.
“I was told by Nota that the money was given to Themba, at least I made 59 cents after trying to get SAMRO to add my name,” she said.
This situation highlights a recurring theme of exploitation and artists struggling for proper credit and fair compensation when working with Sekowe.
Recently, Amapiano vocalist Samkelo Mdolomba, better known as Samthing Soweto, accused Sekowe of withholding the masters to his Isiphithiphithi album.
The dispute reportedly began after Mdolomba’s name was removed from the credits for the song “Amalanga Awafani,” on which he was originally featured. His verse on the song was later replaced by vocalist Chley.
The former Rhythm City actress’ experience does not end there. She also revealed that Open Mic Records owes her money for her feature on Makhadzi’s song “Vhanna VhaVhatu.”
Her followers quickly took to the comment section to highlight DJ Maphorisa’s involvement in financial disputes.
“Where there is Maphorisa, there are always money issues mara why?” says Balindile Msuthu.
“Anything with DJ Maphorisa in it is risky,” says Reabetswe Legodi.
Bokaba shares a screen shot of the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) website, where it shows that she is credited as an arranger, even though she admits to composing the chorus.
@okashii_za Replying to @🦍 ♬ Mayibabo (feat. DJ Maphorisa, DJ Buckz & OkMalumkoolkat) - Kwesta
She admits that her lack of industry knowledge and living in a bubble as a creative contributed to her current situation, adding, “It’s not a good thing.”
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