Cape Town — South Africa’s Scorpion Kings, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, are in hot water again, this time due to their reportedly exorbitant booking fees, which have left Mzansi in a state of disarray.
The duo, recognised for bringing amapiano to global prominence, has been a highly sought-after act since their rise in 2018.
They have secured numerous international headlining gigs and collaborated with stars like WizKid and Drake, solidifying their status as major figures in the amapiano genre.
However, recent discussions have arisen about the duo’s high booking fees, leading to public skepticism about their value.
A popular user on X, Dr Chauke, shared a screenshot suggesting the duo charges R200,000 for indoor events and R300,000 for outdoor ones.
These fees also include R28,000 for transport and additional costs for accommodation, covering two five-star suites and nine standard rooms.
“My question is the event organisers will make a profit of how much ? 😂😂😂” wrote Chauke.
My question is the event organisers will make a profit of how much ? 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/C1MOciSSzU
— Dr Chauke 📝 (@_BlackZA) August 18, 2024
Mzansi quickly took to social media, tagging fellow artists and producers to weigh in on the entertainment industry’s pricing dynamics.
Reactions ranged from surprise at the rates to comparisons with booking fees for other high-profile artists.
Here’s what many had to say:
For both of them i think this is a fair fee heh Doc🤣🤣🤣. Babes Wodumo was charging R120K alone. This is Kabza and Maphorisa for R200K is fair 🤣🤣🤣.
— GTR MAKERTING (@GMakerting) August 18, 2024
After paying 200k u still pay for hotel,transport and security😩😩
— sharks (@sabeloshark) August 18, 2024
If you’re a promoter and you can’t make that money back from an amapiano gig, you should close shop 🤞🏾
But those fees are ridiculous for a local gig.
— Groove Xpress (@groovexpress0) August 19, 2024
That’s why going to these events cost 2 million these days 🤷🏽♀️
— Gaby Mncube (@MissGaby_M) August 18, 2024
Usually they are paid by sponsors who`s brands are gonna be on a forefront,
A wise event hoster makes partnerships with e.g venue, equipment etc… partners pay the costs for exposure then the organizer enjoys the profit in the name of fundraising! (I hope it makes sense)— Lucky Mandellic (@lucky_mandellic) August 18, 2024
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Picture: Instagram/@djmaphorisa
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Compiled by Lauren Petersen
