Amapiano star faces rumours head-on
Amapiano vocalist Scotts Maphuma has once again found himself at the centre of online debate. The star, who has been under fire in recent months, responded to swirling allegations about his nationality in a video shared online on 24 September. The claims originated from fellow artist Tebogo Mashego, who suggested that Maphuma was not South African.
In the clip, Maphuma chose humour over confrontation. He told fans that if he was not from South Africa, then perhaps he must be from Mars, even joking that he could be “an AI person.” The light-hearted tone seemed designed to downplay the rumours rather than escalate them.
The online storm
The video quickly gained traction after being posted by @PianoConnectSA. Social media responses came in thick and fast, ranging from laughter to outright criticism. Some praised Maphuma for responding, while others felt he should have stayed silent.
One user remarked that if he had nothing concrete to say, silence would have been better. Others accused him of embarrassing himself, saying he was only making things worse. One particularly sharp comment summed up the mood with the line: “He ain’t beating the allegations.”
Scotts Maphuma responds to allegations from Tebogo G Mashego about him not being South African. pic.twitter.com/36URkUcjsa
— Piano Connect (@PianoConnectSA) September 24, 2025
A pattern of controversy
This is not the first time Maphuma has clashed with fans. Earlier in 2025, he faced backlash after saying he did not owe supporters anything, insisting they had not “made him.” That remark sparked a wave of cancellations, with some refusing to attend his shows or stream his music. Videos of him appearing distant with fans, including one where he declined a hug, resurfaced during the controversy, fuelling the perception that he is dismissive of his audience.
His arrest in Mozambique in June added another layer to the public scrutiny. Although details of that case have not derailed his career completely, it has kept his name in headlines for reasons beyond music.
Why it matters
Amapiano has become a global force, with South African stars shaping dance floors from Johannesburg to London. In that context, artists carry both influence and responsibility. Maphuma’s playful dismissal of the nationality claims may win over some who enjoy his carefree attitude. Yet for others, it highlights the widening gap between him and a fan base that once embraced him wholeheartedly.
Whether the rumours fade or not, one truth remains: Scotts Maphuma is under the kind of microscope that only fame can bring. His next moves, both on stage and online, will determine if he can shift the conversation back to his music.
Source: Briefly News
Featured Image: Their Magazine
