DJ Maphorisa claims he saved Kabza from bad deal

DJ Maphorisa revealed he helped Kabza De Small, a leading Amapiano producer, escape a poor record deal and secure a reported R44 million advance from Sony Music, one of the largest advances for an African artist. According to iHarare, the disclosure exposes the predatory contracts that trap emerging artists, highlighting the power imbalance between artists and major labels in the South African music scene. Maphorisa positioned himself as a mentor, but critics question his own business practices and motives, noting that such interventions are rare. The core vulnerability is the power imbalance between artists and labels, where success stories like this remain exceptions rather than the rule, leaving many artists vulnerable. The incident highlights the significant need for greater transparency and artist protection in the music industry, as well as stronger regulatory oversight to prevent exploitation.