Khanyo Maphumulo says she earned less than R10K for Sarafina

Download 🇿🇦 South Africa Music 

MP3 DOWNLOAD SONG

Veteran actress and singer Khanyo Maphumulo has opened up about what she calls one of the most disappointing experiences of her career, earning less than R10,000 for her role in the iconic film Sarafina!

Speaking candidly, Maphumulo revealed she was just 14 years old when she auditioned for the stage version of Sarafina! and only 17 when she worked on the film.

Download 🇿🇦 South Africa Music 

Despite being one of the co-composers of powerful songs such as Freedom Is Coming and The Lord’s Prayer, she says she received almost nothing in return for her work.

“I was young and naïve,” she reflected, explaining how the lack of industry knowledge at the time left her open to exploitation.

Maphumulo claims she never signed a contract and, to this day, continues to battle for royalties with the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO).

Her efforts to resolve the issue have been unsuccessful so far.

Her story has reignited conversations around the treatment of young creatives in the entertainment industry, particularly in South Africa, where many veteran performers continue to speak out about being underpaid or sidelined despite their contributions.

Though the early part of her career was marred by this experience, Maphumulo has continued to shine in the arts.

In 2024, she received the Iconic Impact Award at the South African Heroes Awards, a fitting tribute to her enduring legacy.

Do you find NaijaChoice useful? Click here to give us five stars rating!
More On


Follow NaijaChoice on Social Media

Twitter: @naijachoice01 Facebook: @naijachoicenig Instagram: @naijachoiceng Tiktok: @naijachoice

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU 🔥

  Zandie Khumalo slams Advocate Teffo over Meyiwa claims: “He’s a mad man craving relevance” Zandie Khumalo slams Advocate Teffo over Meyiwa claims: “He’s a mad man craving relevance” LeeMcKrazy survives terrifying hijack attempt LeeMcKrazy survives terrifying hijack attempt Reece Madlisa and Zuma reunite after two-year split Reece Madlisa and Zuma reunite after two-year split Zee Nxumalo set to light up Afro Nation Portugal in global debut Zee Nxumalo set to light up Afro Nation Portugal in global debut Slik Talk drags Cassper Nyovest – “How the mighty have fallen” Slik Talk drags Cassper Nyovest – “How the mighty have fallen” Amapiano star Zuma shows off luxury new ride Amapiano star Zuma shows off luxury new ride 5 scenic hiking trails with ocean views in the Western Cape 5 scenic hiking trails with ocean views in the Western Cape Kenya plans to host the African edition of the Grammy Awards Kenya plans to host the African edition of the Grammy Awards Anele Zondo reveals daughter’s face for the first time on her 1st birthday Anele Zondo reveals daughter’s face for the first time on her 1st birthday Julius Malema fires back after Donald Trump plays controversial clips during Oval Office meeting Julius Malema fires back after Donald Trump plays controversial clips during Oval Office meeting

Alternative Tags: