Scotts Maphuma recently got real about the highs and lows of fame, sharing his personal struggles with privacy and public scrutiny.
The amapiano sensation, whose real name is (real name Mpho Lenora) has been accused of being rude on multiple occasions, with videos of him interacting with fans circulating online and sparking outrage.
But in a candid post, the musician revealed that he is tired of being judged for not always being in the mood to take pictures or interact with fans.
On Instagram, he responded to a statement made by YouTuber Slik Talk who is known for his outspoken comments about celebrities. In the video, Slik Talk said that Maphuma’s music is not good enough for him to act the way he does.
Scotts Maphuma speaks on fans always asking him for pictures and how he can’t live a private life anymore. pic.twitter.com/CBCJTBpxSS
— Piano Connect (@PianoConnectSA) March 29, 2025
“This is the last time I give attention to this, I swear. I'm not money, I can't be loved by everyone and I can't deal with the fact that my life can't be private anymore,” he responded.
Maphuma added that he can't even go to the mall without being asked for a picture.
The musician also clarified that he does not mind taking pictures with fans but that he wants to be able to have a normal life without being constantly bombarded with requests.
“I don't mind, it's just a picture but I can't spend every minute of my life being Scotts Maphuma”.
The artist responsible for hits like “Sahyi’Moto” also expressed frustration with the lack of understanding and empathy from fans and the public.
“South Africa doesn't care about us,” he said. “Whether we're hurt or not in the mood, it doesn't matter. They just want what they want from us.” Adding to his frustrations, Maphuma expressed his desire for freedom from the constant scrutiny, saying that South Africa can cancel him and maybe he will be free.
His comments have sparked a lively debate among fans, with some expressing sympathy and understanding for his predicament.
@CrystalTlale commented: “I think people are being unnecessarily inconsiderate towards Scott Mapuma. It’s absolutely okay for someone not to be in their best mood and not want to take pictures, he's human too.”
i think people are being unnecessarily inconsiderate towards Scotts Maphuma. it’s absolutely okay for someone to not be in their best mood and not want to take pictures, he’s human too.
— ngwana wa mopedi (@CrystalTlale) March 29, 2025
However, not everyone is sympathetic to Mapuma's concerns, including @dolls_babyy who wrote: “Does Scotts Maphuma understand that the lifespan of a South African artist is 2 years, if they're lucky? There's no time to have a bad day when you'll be replaced in 2 days.”
Does Scotts Maphuma understand that the lifespan of a South African artist is 2 years, if they're lucky? There's no time to have a bad day when you'll be replaced in 2 days.
— Dolls 🦋 (@dolls_babyy) March 30, 2025
X user @Theo_EM also believes that Mapuma's fame and success come with a price. “It comes with the job of being a celebrity. You forfeit private life for those that love and support your craft,” he said.
“It's like expecting a doctor on their bad day to tell a person with a bullet wound ‘I’m sorry I can’t operate on you today I don’t feel well’,” he added.
— Theo Em (@Theo_EM) March 30, 2025It comes with the job of being a celebrity you forfeit private live for those that love and support your craft,
it's like expecting a doctor on their bad day to tell a person with a bullet wound "I'm sorry I can't operate on you today I don't feel well". People need to know https://t.co/XlnbjMrS5l
Meanwhile, Maphuma is shutting London down, performing with fellow artist LeeMcKrazy at a sold-out show in London despite all the backlash he is receiving online.
