DJ Maphorisa and Oskido Engage in Social Media Feud, Sparking Heated Debate

In a move that has sent shockwaves across South Africa’s music industry and the internet, renowned South African producer DJ Maphorisa recently made bold claims on Twitter about his own musical prowess and influence in the industry. The comments have ignited a fiery debate among fans, fellow artists, and industry veterans, with many expressing opinions on both sides of the argument.

The Tweet That Started It All

It all began when DJ Maphorisa, who is widely known for his contributions to the Amapiano genre, posted a tweet that would quickly go viral. In the tweet, Maphorisa boldly proclaimed that he was not only a better producer than legendary figure Oskido but that he had also played a key role in elevating numerous artists to prominence. The tweet read:

“I think I’m now better than Oskido. I’m the best producer in South Africa and I am better than Oskido and made a lot of artists relevant. No disrespect but I am better than Oskido and I’m always buzzing in December.”

For many, this statement came as a shock. Oskido, a celebrated producer and one of the founding fathers of South Africa’s kwaito and house music scenes, has long been a respected figure in the industry. His influence on the music scene and his ability to create iconic tracks and discover talent is well-documented. As such, the idea that Maphorisa, who is perhaps best known for his work in Amapiano, would assert superiority over Oskido struck many as audacious, if not controversial.’

The tweet quickly spread across Twitter, sparking intense reactions from fans, music industry insiders, and artists alike. Many were divided over Maphorisa’s bold statement, with some supporting his claims while others rushed to defend Oskido’s legendary status.

Oskido Responds

Not long after Maphorisa’s tweet, the veteran producer and musician Oskido caught wind of the comment and responded in a way that would add fuel to the already simmering fire. Oskido, never one to shy away from a challenge, hit back with a retort that took aim at Maphorisa’s remarks, particularly the latter’s insinuation that he had contributed more to the relevance of artists than Oskido had. Oskido’s response was sharp, yet measured:

“You may be better than me, but I don’t rob artists.”

This response, while not overly aggressive, spoke volumes. It was seen by many as a direct challenge to Maphorisa’s claims and insinuated that while Maphorisa may have achieved great success, his approach to working with artists was, according to Oskido, less than admirable.

Oskido’s comment raised a number of questions about the nature of the South African music industry. For years, there have been murmurs and rumors about exploitation within the industry, with many suggesting that certain producers and labels have profited off of the work and talent of up-and-coming artists without providing fair compensation or recognition. Oskido’s remark seemed to be a subtle reference to these claims, and it hit home for many who believed that the music industry, in general, could do more to ensure the protection of its talent.

The Industry Divided

Oskido’s response struck a chord with many of his supporters, particularly those who have witnessed his work as a pioneer of South African music. The legendary producer has a long history of supporting young talent and has been credited with helping launch the careers of many of the country’s top artists, including DJ Zinhle, Mafikizolo, and many others. Oskido is known for his mentorship and commitment to nurturing artists, and many fans were quick to defend him, arguing that his legacy in South Africa’s music scene could never be diminished by a tweet, no matter how bold it was.

On the other hand, DJ Maphorisa’s followers and supporters were quick to rally behind him. Many argued that his contributions to the Amapiano genre, which has seen explosive growth in recent years, have put him at the forefront of the South African music scene.

Maphorisa’s ability to continuously create hit songs and his influence over the sound of modern South African music made him a force to be reckoned with. Supporters also pointed to his ability to collaborate with a wide range of artists and bring new sounds to the mainstream. They saw his statement not as a disrespectful attack on Oskido, but as a declaration of his own success and his belief in his role in the current wave of musical innovation.

It is also worth noting that Maphorisa’s recent dominance in the music scene, especially during the festive month of December, was a key part of his argument. The month of December in South Africa is often seen as a time of peak music consumption, with many artists releasing tracks aimed at capitalizing on the summer party season.

Maphorisa has been known to dominate the airwaves and playlists during this time, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the South African music industry. For him, this made his claim of being “the best producer” more than just a matter of pride—it was a reflection of the reality of his success.

A Matter of Respect

One of the most intriguing aspects of this feud is the tone of mutual respect that remains despite the harsh words exchanged. Both Maphorisa and Oskido are undeniably influential figures in the South African music industry, and their back-and-forth has sparked conversations about the generational divide and evolution within the industry.

Oskido, representing the older guard of the South African music scene, helped shape the soundscape that allowed the likes of Maphorisa to rise to prominence. Meanwhile, Maphorisa embodies the new wave of South African music—dynamic, innovative, and internationally recognized.

While both producers have clearly made their mark on the industry, the feud raises important questions about how the South African music scene will continue to evolve. Is it possible for both the old and new generation of artists and producers to coexist harmoniously, or are their differences too stark for reconciliation? It remains to be seen how this rivalry will play out in the long run.

The Bigger Picture

At the heart of the public spat between DJ Maphorisa and Oskido is a much larger conversation about the state of the South African music industry itself. Maphorisa’s claim of being the best producer and Oskido’s response about not “robbing artists” bring attention to the ongoing struggles that artists face when it comes to fair compensation, recognition, and creative freedom. While both figures represent different eras in South African music, their comments highlight the challenges that the industry must address to continue thriving and supporting its talent.

Ultimately, the feud between DJ Maphorisa and Oskido serves as a reminder of the complexities of the music industry and the pressures that come with fame, success, and creative competition. While their rivalry has undoubtedly ignited fierce debate, it also provides an opportunity for the South African music community to reflect on its past, present, and future.

As the dust settles, one thing remains clear: the South African music scene is alive, dynamic, and full of energy. Whether in the form of Oskido’s pioneering legacy or Maphorisa’s current dominance, the music produced within the country’s borders continues to inspire and shape global trends. What remains to be seen is how these two influential figures will navigate their differences and whether their clash will ultimately contribute to the continued evolution of South African music.