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| Music producer Sfiso faces scrutiny as multiple artists, including JL, Lady Amar, Patrick, and MacG, come forward with allegations of unpaid royalties and exploitation |
Johannesburg, South Africa — The reputation of music producer Sfiso is facing intense scrutiny as multiple artists step forward with allegations of unpaid royalties and exploitation. What began with one collaborator, JL, claiming he was never compensated, has now escalated into a multi-artist dispute that is sending shockwaves through the South African music industry.
Sfiso’s Defense on Piano Hub
Sfiso appeared on Piano Hub to respond to the allegations, asserting that he was the mastermind behind the hit song Hamba Juba. He claimed he wrote the song while JL only produced “but not 100%,” and said he was instrumental in bringing singer Cici back to the music scene after she had essentially retired.
“I even gifted Cici 25% of my masters because she had been through a lot,” Sfiso said, portraying himself as a generous benefactor. He also claimed it was his idea for Cici to post the track on TikTok, which led to its viral success and ultimately attracted Murumba Pitch for a collaboration.
Patrick Calls Out Sfiso
However, Sfiso’s account was sharply contested by Patrick, Cici’s brother. Patrick accused Sfiso of lying and scheming, insisting that Cici and her team were the driving force behind the project.
“They supported him even when he was broke,” Patrick stated publicly, demanding that all collaborators including JL and Lady Amar be paid for their contributions. He dismissed Sfiso’s claims as an attempt to rewrite the history of the song.
Lady Amar Confirms Non-Payment
Adding to the controversy, Lady Amar confirmed that she had not been paid for her involvement in Hamba Juba. With multiple collaborators publicly disputing Sfiso’s narrative, his credibility has been called into question.
MacG Reveals Exploitation on Podcast and Chill
The backlash intensified when MacG shared his personal experience on Podcast and Chill, revealing that he had also been exploited by Sfiso during the production of Nkantini.
MacG recalled visiting Sfiso’s studio where a beat was played, which later became the hit song. After the track reached over a million views on YouTube, Sfiso reportedly confronted him during a gig in Polokwane, accusing him of owing money in a drunken public spectacle.
In response, MacG contacted Electromode, the distributor, to confirm revenue generated by the track. He then shared the figures with all involved parties, including Sir Trill, M.J. Keys, Bailey, and Sfiso, offering to transfer all revenue directly to Sfiso and requesting his removal from the project. MacG even removed Nkantini from YouTube and Spotify to distance himself from the controversy.
Industry Reactions and Accountability Debate
With JL, Lady Amar, Patrick, and MacG speaking out, critics argue that Sfiso has exploited collaborators while presenting himself as the creative force behind major projects. The unfolding scandal has sparked a wider conversation about fair payment, accountability, and ethics in the South African music industry, particularly regarding how producers interact with both emerging and established artists.
For now, Sfiso faces mounting pressure to respond credibly to the allegations and resolve outstanding disputes. Industry observers note that failure to address the claims could have long-term repercussions for his career and reputation.
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