Two years after Hamba Juba dominated the airwaves, award-winning DJ Lady Amar has made a shocking confession. She has never received any payment from the chart-topping single.
Despite its massive success, the 32-year-old star, born Thando Duma, says she hasn’t seen “even a cent,” a revelation that has stunned fans and reignited debates about artist exploitation in the music industry.
Lady Amar’s statement surfaced after controversial blogger Musa Khawula posted a video of her addressing the issue. In the clip, she insisted that she is also a victim in the situation, echoing earlier claims by fellow artist JL SA.
“Hai, guys, I also didn’t get paid for the hit song, I don’t know even a cent. It has been two years since we released the song, and just like JL SA, I didn’t receive any payment, and I haven’t said anything because I am not a person to speak up like how JL did, but I had to because you guys are now insulting me. Please stop, I’m also a victim. I’ve never, not even a cent. I have never received anything, me, primary artist of the song,” she explained.
Her revelation quickly went viral, sparking a widespread online conversation. Some social media users sympathised with her, pointing out the need for better education for artists about royalties and contracts.
One user, @lucky_thedon1_, recalled similar experiences from other musicians:
“I rmmbr Amos interview with Mac g where he said he was broke when emcimbini was popping lapho he already had Zaka as a hit, someone please educate thz artists how long it takes to start getting paid and also does one hit record make one successful?”
Others were more critical, questioning why she chose to speak out now. @_babybearr asked:
“So, are all South African artists illiterate when it comes to music? Is this a case of people getting too excited about the opportunity without understanding what it entails, or are these broken promises?”
Meanwhile, @BlessMaBless added:
“Why didnt she claim it when the song was released ….. why is she coming out now. Aayyy.”
As the debate grows, Lady Amar’s revelation has shed fresh light on the often murky world of music royalties, leaving fans and industry watchers waiting to see how the situation unfolds.