“You Get What You Give”: Somizi Speaks Out After Maphuma’s Fame Backlash
Media personality Somizi Mhlongo has weighed in following an awkward moment at Cotton Fest, where rising artist Scott Maphuma was seemingly ignored by the crowd during his performance.
The cold reception comes shortly after Maphuma’s controversial remarks on the L-Tido Podcast, where he declared that he “never wanted to be famous” and claimed he doesn’t owe fans “anything, not even a photo.” The comments triggered widespread backlash, with many calling his attitude ungrateful and arrogant.
Somizi: “Respect Goes Both Ways”
Addressing the drama on his social media, Somizi didn’t mention Maphuma by name but offered a pointed take:
“Fame is a weird thing. But respect and humility? That’s universal. You give love, you get love.”
His post has been widely interpreted as a subtle critique of Maphuma’s recent attitude toward fans and fame.
Fan Disappointment Grows
Many festivalgoers took to social media after the event, saying they felt disconnected from Maphuma’s set—some even walking away mid-performance. “If he doesn’t care about fans, why should we care about his music?” one user wrote.
Others argued that while artists are entitled to privacy, building a fanbase requires some level of connection and appreciation.
Maphuma’s Reputation at a Crossroads
Scott Maphuma, known for his talent and low-key persona, now finds himself in a reputational dilemma. While some defend his right to set boundaries, others believe his comments have alienated the very audience that helped elevate his platform.
