Scotts Maphuma faces backlash for missing major children's festival in Mozambique

IOL News

03-06-2025

Amapiano artist Scotts Maphuma finds himself in trouble after being detained in Mozambique for missing a scheduled performance.
Image: Instagram
Amapiano artist Scotts Maphuma, real name Mpho Lebajoa, is making headlines once again, and this time it is because he found himself in hot water as he was reportedly arrested over the weekend in Mozambique, where he was scheduled to perform.
The 'Shayi'Moto' singer was set to perform in the country over the weekend at an annual Children's Day festival in Matola, Mozambique.
However, he did not show up to the event, and he later discovered that things work differently in Mozambique, finding himself in trouble with the local authorities.
It all started when a video of the artist in a police holding cell circulated on social media and sparked mixed reactions as well as questions from fans.
Local reporters from 'Mz Magazine News' posted the video on their Instagram with a caption that reads: 'Scotts Maphuma é levado a esquadra por não ter chegado a tempo de actuar.'
It translates to: 'Scotts Maphuma is taken to the police station for not arriving on time to perform.'
Maphuma was meant to headline the Children's Day festival on Sunday, June 1, at an event known as 'Lizha só festas' in Matola, a vibrant Mozambican suburb.
The disappointed attendees took to the comment section to share that not only did Lebajoa not arrive, but he allegedly detoured to perform at a royal event first, hence he was late and detained for not showing up to perform for the little ones.
Instagram user @darcia_da_julia_bunitinha commented: 'Instead of going to perform for children early, he preferred to go to the royal event first, perform for adults; that should have been banned. He should never set foot in Mozambique.'
Before the drama unfolded, the Amapiano sensation posted on his Instagram stories, assuring attendees that he is on his way to the children's event.
'Matola! I'm on my way, bafethu (guys), I'm on my way to the children's event. 'Lizha só festas!',' he exclaimed.
More festival attendees were poking fun at the whole situation, one even asked that they get refunded some of the money back to buy the disappointed children who were looking forward to seeing the artist, a hamburger.
This comes after the Amapiano singer faced major criticism from fans who accused him of being arrogant when engaging with his fans.
When he faced public scrutiny, he opened up about his struggles with fame, revealing that he is tired of being judged for not always being in the mood to take pictures or interact with fans.
However, things took a turn for the worse when fans appeared uninterested in his performances at 'Cotton Fest' and Coyotes Lounge in Mbombela, which led him to publicly apologise to his fans.
'I want to take a moment to sincerely apologise to all my supporters. I've let some of you down, and I take full responsibility. Growth comes with owning your mistakes, and I'm committed to doing better for myself and you. Thank you for still believing in me,' he wrote.
The star took to his social media to sincerely apologise for his behaviour and remarks, which garnered him support from his industry peers.