‘Mental Breakdown Made Me Do It’ – Tebogo G Mashego Shocks Fans with Public Apology to DJ Maphorisa and DJ Karri

by Zaghrah Anthony

Amapiano star’s dramatic turnaround reopens debates about money, mental health, and accountability in the music industry

Tebogo G Mashego has once again put Mzansi in conversation mode — but this time, not with insults or accusations, but with a calm, unexpected apology. Just weeks after making explosive claims that he was owed R23 million by the Scorpion Kings and pleading for donations while stuck in Nigeria, the Biri Marung hitmaker resurfaced in a video with a newly shaved head, a bottle of water in hand, and a noticeably different tone.

“Eh guys, mental breakdown,” he said softly before apologising directly to DJ Maphorisa and DJ Karri. “I apologise for swearing at DJ Maphorisa and DJ Karri. I’m only apologising for swearing…” he added, while still insisting that his earlier claims came from what “2Woshort said.”

Social Media Reacts: Relief, Skepticism, and Memes

Mzansi’s online streets lit up within minutes:

  • Some fans were relieved, praising him for at least taking accountability.

  • Others dragged him, saying they were “tired of the drama” and doubting his sincerity.

  • A few made jokes about his “haircut healing powers,” blaming his old hairstyle for his online rants.

  • Concerned voices emerged, referencing his emotional plea for donations in Nigeria and suggesting he may truly be struggling behind the scenes.

One user wrote: “We laugh, but that Nigeria situation looked real. I hope he’s getting help.”

Industry Responses: Peace Before Pride

Amapiano insiders seem to be treating the apology as a necessary step — not just for Mashego’s reputation, but for harmony within the genre. With amapiano continuing to dominate global charts, artists understand the damage public feuds can do to business, bookings and brand deals.

While neither DJ Maphorisa nor DJ Karri has responded publicly yet, their silence has only heightened anticipation.

Mental Health in the Spotlight

Mashego’s comment about having a “mental breakdown” has sparked wider discussions:

  • Are artists receiving mental health support?

  • How many musicians are silently struggling behind the fame?

  • Does public humiliation push artists to breaking points?

Mzansi has seen similar emotional spirals among entertainers — from Nota Baloyi’s breakdowns to Zola 7’s health struggles — highlighting the pressures of navigating fame, finances, and public perception.

The R23 Million Question Still Lingers

While he apologised for his language, Mashego notably did not retract his allegations about unpaid millions. Fans remain divided:

  • Some want receipts and clarity.

  • Others think it was all part of the breakdown.

  • A few insist the issue is deeper than the apology suggests.

Until Maphorisa or Karri speak, the money saga remains unresolved.

Why This Moment Matters

Mashego’s apology isn’t just gossip fodder,  it reveals the cracks in an industry riding a global wave. Amapiano artists are under pressure to stay relevant, look successful, and manage fame without much structure or emotional support.

If anything, his breakdown and U-turn have reminded fans that behind the hits and hype are real people,  messy, flawed, and sometimes overwhelmed.

Source: IOL

Featured Image: X{@Jabu_Macdonald}