"Haibo": Fikile Mbalula Calls DJ Maphorisa a 'Young Artist' at ANC Diepsloot Rally, Mzansi Reacts
- ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula shared a video of DJ Maphorisa performing at the party's Manifesto Launch in Riverside, Diepsloot
- Mbalula's caption referring to the veteran Amapiano producer as a 'young artist' immediately caught the attention of South Africans online
- Social media users debated whether Maphorisa and other artists were paid to perform, with some estimating his gig fee at between R75,000 and R100,000
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ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has set social media alight after posting a video of DJ Maphorisa performing at the party's Manifesto Launch in Riverside, Diepsloot, with one particular choice of words in his caption stealing the spotlight from the event itself. Mbalula shared the clip on X under his handle @MbalulaFikile, writing:
"Young artists such as DJ Maphorisa on stage entertaining and energising our people during our Manifesto Launch taking place in Riverside Diepsloot. Let's Continue Building Better Communities Together."
The footage showed the celebrated Amapiano producer holding a microphone on stage alongside other performers, working up a large crowd at the political gathering.
Mzansi clocks the 'young artist' description
It did not take long for South Africans to zero in on Fikile Mbalula's description of DJ Maphorisa, widely known as Phori, as a 'young artist.' The hitmaker has spent well over a decade shaping the South African music landscape, making the label something of a talking point for fans and critics alike.
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The post underscored the increasingly common strategy among South African political parties of enlisting prominent local musicians to draw crowds and energise supporters, particularly ahead of critical electoral campaigns.
Check out the X post below:
Beyond the age debate, many users questioned the motivations behind high-profile artists showing up at political rallies. User Phastarico pointed to publicly estimated performance fees, writing:
"According to Google, DJ Maphorisa charges a baseline solo performance fee starting around R75,000 to R100,000 per gig. MaWhoo charges up to R50,000 per gig. Unemployed youth spectators down there get R350pm social relief grant."
Mixed feelings from the crowd
Mageba4uv echoed the sentiment, suggesting the crowd itself was not necessarily a sign of political support:
"That's why you have crowds; they came to see artists for free; they won't vote for ANC."
Even some who attended the event appeared unmoved by the ANC's message.
Chelz\_SA wrote:
"We had fun, but we're not voting for ANC.”
Soulchild658 commented:
"Do you think they care about what's going on there? They're only there for the money, so chill."
PMiliyon pointing out:
"Riverside and Diepsloot are two different entities, sir."
KanyokoMso292 offered a broader reflection:
"They will say whatever cos that's what brings them happiness... at least you gave them freedom of expression."
Fikile Mbalula asks church to forgive ANC
Fikile Mbalula addressed members of St John's Apostolic Church in Katlehong, asking them for their vote.
The African National Congress Secretary-General also asked the church to forgive members for their transgressions.
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Source: Briefly News
