The Gatekeeper: DJ Maphorisa Suspected of Removing of ‘Ka Valungu’ from Music Platforms to Protect ‘Mnike’s Dominance
A section of South Africans has jokingly accused DJ Maphorisa of being the mastermind behind the disappearance of “Ka Valungu” by Tebza De DJ and DJ Nomza The King from Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music.
This song was expected to dethrone Tyler ICU’s mega-hit “Mnike” from the top of the charts.
Over the weekend, “Ka Valungu” gained immense popularity on social media, with people sharing videos of themselves dancing to it.
However, confirmed reports emerged on Tuesday stating that the song had been taken down from streaming platforms. Tebza De DJ and DJ Nomza The King did not release any statement explaining the removal of the song from Apple Music, YouTube, and Spotify.
DJ Maphorisa Accused of Masterminding Ka Valungu’s Removal From Streaming Platforms
On Twitter, some South Africans humorously speculated that DJ Maphorisa orchestrated the removal of the song to ensure the continued dominance of “Mnike,” in which he is featured. Others suggested that copyright issues might be the reason behind the removal.
Here are a few of the comments:
@realmariso:
I’m smelling Maphorisa here
@TFranz47:
We Need to Educate Each Other About Samples And Bootlegs. It Might Be There
@BENZONICE:
Even in Tidal it has been removed. I wonder which gatekeeper didn’t he include on the cover. Featuring mang mang 🤣 MacG was right gonale de gatekeeper tsa this genre of music.
@SadikiMulisa:
I assumed this would happen I doubt they properly communicated with Peters family and record label about the sample
Peter Teanet’s Family Finally Speaks
In related news, the family of the legendary disco music singer, Peta Teanet, whose song was sampled in the viral Amapiano hit “Ka Valungu” by Tebza De DJ, has confirmed that they took action to remove the song due to copyright infringement.
According to Sunday World, the family contacted Tebza De DJ after the song’s release, but their text messages and calls went unanswered.
Forsta Teanet, the younger brother of the Khoma Maseve song maker, expressed hope that Tebza De DJ would respond before the week’s end to avoid a lawsuit seeking damages amounting to R20 million.
Interestingly, DJ Maphorisa played a role in getting the song taken down from streaming platforms. Forsta revealed that when the family first saw a clip of the renowned DJ playing the song, it triggered an emotional breakdown among family members, as Teanet’s music holds great significance to them.
The family is now investigating who granted Tebza De DJ permission to remix his late brother’s song. Depending on the outcome, legal action will follow.
