On the night of Wednesday, July 9, 2025, what was meant to be a casual evening among some of Amapiano’s top producers unexpectedly turned into a viral moment that has since dominated South African entertainment headlines. Award-winning music producer and Amapiano heavyweight DJ Maphorisa found himself in a heated verbal altercation with fellow producer Shaun 101 at an undisclosed nightclub, sparking widespread social media buzz and fan speculation. The clip was posted by @Maluda012 on X
The incident unfolded while Maphorisa was hanging out with his regular collaborators, including Kabza De Small and Kelvin Momo. A now-viral video captured by a clubgoer shows Maphorisa interrupting his relaxed vibe mid-spliff roll to aggressively point and raise his voice at Shaun 101. The tension was palpable, with Maphorisa clearly upset and scolding Shaun 101 in front of onlookers. Despite the intensity, no physical violence occurred, and those present reportedly helped de-escalate the situation before it could escalate further.
This public confrontation is notable because DJ Maphorisa is typically known for airing his frustrations behind the scenes or during Instagram Live rants, rather than engaging in face-to-face disputes. Fans were surprised to see him lose his cool in such a public setting, with many reacting with a mix of concern and humor. Social media users joked about how Maphorisa paused his smoke session just to settle the argument, highlighting the unexpected nature of the clash.
While the exact cause of the disagreement remains undisclosed, the incident has sparked conversations about the pressures and dynamics within the Amapiano industry, where collaborations and creative tensions often run high. Given that Maphorisa and Shaun 101 were previously seen as collaborators and part of the same circle, this spat is viewed more as a momentary fallout than a deep rift.
DJ Maphorisa, born Themba Sekowe, is a prolific figure in South Africa’s music scene, known for his genre-blending productions and collaborations with top artists like Kabza De Small, Wizkid, and Drake. Shaun 101, meanwhile, is an emerging producer gaining traction in the Amapiano movement. This clash, while unfortunate, underscores the high-stakes environment of South Africa’s vibrant music industry, where creative passions sometimes boil over.
As the dust settles, fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see how this relationship evolves. For now, the incident serves as a reminder that even the biggest stars are human and that behind the beats and chart-topping hits, tensions can flare in the heat of the moment.
