DJ Maphorisa Breaks Silence on G Mashego’s Allegations Over ‘Biri Marung’ Royalties

DJ Maphorisa has addressed claims made by G Mashego about allegedly not receiving payment for his involvement in the hit song Biri Marung. The allegations surfaced in September 2025 when G Mashego went viral on social media, saying he was stranded in Nigeria and accusing Maphorisa of withholding royalties. He also made claims about Maphorisa’s personal conduct involving some of his male artists.

Speaking during a live session on Tuesday, Maphorisa questioned the legitimacy of these claims, asking for proof and challenging the narrative. “How do you know I’m not paying people? Where do you find the proof of those [claims] that I don’t pay royalties? Who told you that? Did you do research, or did you just hear one small boy say that and trend?” he said. Maphorisa clarified that G Mashego did not contribute to the song’s writing, noting that it was written by Ego, who saw an opportunity to capitalize on Mashego’s social media attention.

The producer emphasized that G Mashego’s insults came from a place of inexperience and lack of exposure in the music industry. “That guy wasn’t even thinking of becoming an artist. That’s why he could tell us sh*t and insult us. It is because he’s not in the music business limelight, and I have to forgive him. That is the sad part. He humiliated me in front of everyone,” Maphorisa said.

Reflecting on his career, Maphorisa highlighted his journey from being signed under Oskido’s Kalawa Jazmee Records to establishing his own label, Blaqboy Music. He stressed the importance of hard work and paying dues in the music industry. “Unfortunately for you guys to take me down, you have to work hard. You have to create camps and groups and combine sangomas, witches, pastors and politicians, but if you’re just one or two, it won’t work,” he said.

He spoke about his commitment to growth and collaboration, noting that he maintains professional relationships with his former mentors and peers. “I’ve worked hard to get to where I am, and it was painful because I didn’t take the shortcut. I’ve seen a lot of people take shortcuts. I paid my dues. I was signed under Kalawa. You’ve never heard me say any bad sh*t about Kalawa. I still work with them now. Oskido still comes to get advice from me because the game has changed.”

Maphorisa also pointed out that learning from both older and younger artists has been key to his career. “That’s why I can go to Kabza and get advice from him about music or whatever. The game changes. That’s why I work with young [people]. I was young before. You guys forget I was young before. I was in my 20s when I was at Kalawa; I was doing the most there.”

With this statement, Maphorisa reaffirmed his position in the industry, defending his work ethic, his reputation, and his approach to collaboration, while addressing the controversy surrounding Biri Marung.