Music artist Tebogo Mashego, best known for his viral hit Biri Marung, has officially apologised to DJ Maphorisa and DJ Karri after publicly accusing them of owing him millions of rands. This comes days after a heated viral video where he alleged that the popular Scorpion Kings owed him R23 million, sparking massive debates and confusion across social media platforms.
Earlier this week, Tebogo Mashego dominated headlines after a clip of him circulated widely on X (formerly Twitter), where he made shocking claims about unpaid royalties and financial disputes with some of the biggest names in the Amapiano industry.
In the original video, Tebogo Mashego alleged that DJ Maphorisa and DJ Karri owed him a staggering R23 million, linking the accusations to his contributions to several hit songs and deals. The claims set off a firestorm of reactions online, with fans, industry insiders, and fellow artists weighing in on the drama.
Many fans were left confused, with some questioning the accuracy of the figures and others demanding clarity from the DJs involved. The heated conversation quickly became one of the most talked-about topics in the South African music scene.
Tebogo Mashego’s Apology: “I Had a Mental Breakdown”
On Wednesday, 15 October 2025, a new video of Tebogo Mashego emerged online, shared by user @TheAudioLab on X. In the new clip, the Biri Marung hitmaker appeared much calmer and addressed his earlier outburst.
“Eh, guys, mental breakdown. I have a lot to say, but today I came to apologise. I swore at my big brothers. But 2Woshort are byao (2 short said so). I apologise for swearing at DJ Maphorisa and DJ Karri. I’m only apologising for swearing, but everything else, 2Woshort are byao,” he said.
This statement quickly reignited conversations online. While Tebogo Mashego did express regret for the harsh language he used toward DJ Maphorisa and DJ Karri, many viewers noticed that he did not fully retract his original claims. Instead, he framed his apology around the way he delivered the message, not the content of his allegations.
As the apology video made its rounds on social media, fans flooded the comments section with mixed reactions. Some accepted his explanation, noting that mental health struggles can affect anyone, including celebrities. Others, however, interpreted the apology as half-hearted.
One user commented, “He is only apologising for swearing at them, the rest is true because 2Woshort are byao.”
Another user added, “After all the speculations about witchcraft, snakes, drugs, having a calling, illuminati, sacrifice, bloodline, ancestors, initiation, etc., he tells y’all about a mental breakdown?”
A third user responded humorously, saying, “New haircut, new shirt, no Sprite — the only thing left is to remove the nail polish.”
These reactions highlight how divided fans are when it comes to Tebogo Mashego’s explanation. Some believe he is being honest about his mental health, while others think he’s deflecting from the financial allegations.
Tebogo Mashego’s apology video also opened up important conversations about mental health in the music industry. In recent years, several South African artists have spoken out about the intense pressure they face to maintain their careers, deal with public scrutiny, and manage personal struggles behind the scenes.
For Tebogo Mashego, acknowledging that he experienced a mental breakdown is a rare public admission. While his comments have caused controversy, they also shed light on the fact that fame does not shield anyone from emotional and psychological challenges.
Industry observers have noted that this incident may encourage more artists to speak openly about their mental health, seek support, and handle conflicts more constructively.
Following his apology, it remains unclear whether DJ Maphorisa and DJ Karri will respond publicly to Tebogo Mashego’s claims or accept his apology. Neither artist has issued an official statement at the time of writing.
Music industry insiders speculate that this controversy may lead to further discussions behind the scenes — possibly even legal action if the allegations are pursued further. For now, Tebogo Mashego seems focused on addressing his personal well-being and repairing relationships within the Amapiano community.
Fans are also eager to see whether this controversy will affect his music career. Some supporters believe that this could be a turning point for him to refocus on his artistry, while critics remain skeptical.
The recent events surrounding Tebogo Mashego are a powerful reminder of how quickly public perception can shift in the music industry. What began as a fiery accusation has evolved into a larger discussion about accountability, mental health, and the power of social media.
Whether this incident harms or strengthens his career will largely depend on how Tebogo Mashego moves forward. If he can use this moment to rebuild trust and continue delivering music that resonates with fans, it may become a defining chapter in his journey as an artist.
Source- Fakaza
