The viral hit Hamba Juba has taken a darker turn. South African music fans were shocked when the ‘Hamba Juba’ star and producer JL SA broke down in tears during a live podcast. This came after the ‘Hamba Juba’ manager, Sfiso Ndlovu, openly admitted to taking the artist’s unpaid earnings.
Emotional Breakdown Caught on Camera
In a recent episode of the Piano Pulse podcast, music producer JL SA confronted Sfiso Ndlovu, the music manager who oversaw the song’s release. During the interview, Sfiso admitted:
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“That money is no longer there – I ate it, and that’s honest.”
The shocking moment led JL SA to break down emotionally on air. The video has since gone viral, sparking national conversation on exploitation in the music industry.
What Happened Behind the Scenes?
JL SA, real name Jackson Motla, says he produced the track from scratch but never received a cent. The song, released in 2023, features Lady Amar, Murumba Pitch, and Cici. Despite millions of streams, he says his contribution was ignored financially.
He initially shared his frustration via TikTok, claiming he’d never been paid. That sparked massive support online, leading to his podcast appearance. What followed was an admission from the ‘Hamba Juba’ manager that confirmed fans’ worst fears.
The Manager’s Defence: “I Wanted to Teach Him a Lesson”
Sfiso Ndlovu didn’t just admit to taking the money. He justified it.
“The reason why I did not pay JL at the time was because bengifuna ukumnyisa – I wanted to teach him a lesson,” he said.
Ndlovu claimed JL SA breached a contract, which is why he withheld payment. He also stated that ongoing royalty disputes with singer Cici led to the track’s royalties being “blocked.” However, critics argue that no legal clause justifies personal misuse of funds.
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Widespread Industry Backlash
This revelation has reignited debates around artist treatment and royalty transparency in South Africa. Multiple collaborators on Hamba Juba, including Lady Amar, have echoed similar concerns about unpaid royalties.
According to repoerts even Cici’s label, The House of Thom, claims they have not received their 50% share.
SAMRO (Southern African Music Rights Organisation) has been approached for mediation, and legal action may soon follow.
Fans Demand Accountability
Fans across TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube have expressed anger and disappointment. Many are demanding accountability from the ‘Hamba Juba’ manager and better industry regulation to protect producers and artists.
Public opinion strongly supports JL SA, praising him for his courage in speaking out and seeking justice.
Industry Calls for Reform
This incident highlights a broader issue. Many South African producers and independent artists lack contractual power or legal knowledge. As a result, they are vulnerable to exploitation—even on hit songs.
Industry experts and unions are now calling for:
- Mandatory royalty audits
- Transparent metadata and split sheets
- Stronger contract enforcement
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A Wake-Up Call for the SA Music Industry
The ‘Hamba Juba’ star’s emotional breakdown has become a symbol of deeper problems in the local music industry. With more artists speaking out, the pressure is mounting on record labels and managers to act ethically.
Until then, JL SA’s story stands as both a cautionary tale and a rallying cry for fair treatment in the creative space.
