JOHANNESBURG – Kamo Mphela’s Father, Onitias Mphela, has broken his silence about the public criticism surrounding his daughter’s lyrics, defending her artistic choices and speaking candidly about his unique role in her music journey — not just as a parent, but also as a business partner and supporter.
In an interview with To The Max Brand Management, Mr Mphela shared personal insights into what it means to support a daughter who’s dominating South Africa’s Amapiano scene, while also navigating the complex emotions that come with hearing sexually suggestive lyrics — especially from your own child.
During the heartfelt discussion, Onitias Mphela made it clear that he plays more than just the traditional father figure in Kamo Mphela’s life — he’s also a trusted advisor and business partner behind her meteoric rise to fame.
“People often forget that I wear two hats — I am not only her father, but I am also deeply involved in her career decisions,” he said.
That dual role has given him a unique perspective — one that allows him to balance his protective instincts as a parent with the realities of working in the South African music industry.
Kamo Mphela’s Father Is More Than Just a Parent
One of the most controversial songs in Kamo’s catalogue is her viral hit “Jobe”, where the lyric “Jobe unginika kamnandi” drew mixed reactions. Some questioned whether the line carried explicit sexual connotations, and whether it was appropriate, especially considering her age and image.
Kamo Mphela’s Father shared a moment when a music producer approached him directly to ask if he was comfortable with the lyrics.
“Another guy came to me and asked if I am okay with the lyrics of the song. He asked, ‘As her father, how do you feel about her singing Jobe unginika kamnandi?’” he recalled.
But his response was unapologetically supportive:
“Why should I not be comfortable with it? She is an artist. She is expressing herself, and there’s nothing vulgar or demeaning about it. It’s part of her art.”
Kamo Mphela’s father emphasized that his daughter’s work, while sometimes provocative, falls well within the bounds of artistic freedom and cultural expression. He believes the public often misunderstands the difference between suggestive content and explicit vulgarity.
“It sounds good to the ear,” he explained. “She’s not swearing. She’s not being graphic. If you compare that to what’s being said in some American hip-hop songs, then this is nothing. It’s tame.”
He also noted that Kamo was so confident in her work that she never even asked for his permission or approval before the track was released.
“She didn’t even ask, ‘Baba, are you okay with this?’ That shows her confidence. And I’m proud of that.”
During the interview, music veteran JR added his support, saying it was refreshing to see a father who understands the entertainment industry and isn’t quick to judge his child’s artistic direction.
“As someone who knows how the industry works, it makes sense for Kamo Mphela’s father to back her up,” JR said. “Parents who work in entertainment understand that music, like any art form, is meant to challenge, entertain, and sometimes provoke.”
Kamo Mphela has become more than just a performer. She’s a symbol of youth culture, style, and empowerment in South Africa’s ever-evolving Amapiano movement. With viral dance moves and powerful stage presence, her rise hasn’t been without controversy — but it’s also opened up important conversations about what freedom of expression looks like in a modern African context.
Her father’s unwavering support highlights the importance of having family allies in the spotlight, especially when fame brings both adoration and criticism.
In a society where generational gaps often lead to misunderstanding, Kamo Mphela’s father stands out as an example of what it means to embrace your child’s creativity while guiding them responsibly. By supporting her without judgment, Mr Mphela is helping reshape traditional views of parenting in entertainment.
“All I want is for her to be happy and true to who she is,” he concluded.
As Kamo continues to blaze her trail in the music world, her father’s loyalty and belief in her talent remain a powerful force behind her success — proving that behind every bold woman is someone who believed in her first.
Source-Fakaza
