Itumeleng Bokaba on being paid R0,59 for Mayibobo song

by Limpho Nonkonyane

Once one of the biggest songs in the country, vocalist Itumeleng Bokaba reveals that she was paid R0,59 for the chorus in Kwesta’s Mayibobo.

In 2016, rapper Kwesta released a song featuring Okmalumekoolkat, DJ Mpahorisa and DJ BUCKZ.

What shocks most internet users is that the former YoTV presenter Itumeleng, popularly known as Okashi was only paid 59 cents.

As previously reported by BONA, certain individuals have been known in the industry as ‘grootmans’ or ‘gatekeepers’, where they do not give artists dividends due to them making it difficult for those artists to release new music.

According to the news publication, IOL, the debacle started on TikTok when Itumeleng was asked if she sang on the song, later revealing that it was indeed her and that she fought with the South African Music Rights Organisation(SAMRO) to credit her where she received the 59 cents.

An X (formerly known as Twitter) user posted a TikTok video of her showing internet users how much she was paid causing many internet users to call for justice when it comes to artists getting what they are owed.

Here’s what netizens said:

Also see; Deep dive into the ‘grootmans’ of the industry