It has been four years since South Africa lost one of its rising Amapiano stars, Mpura, in a tragic car accident. The pain of his passing still lingers, especially for his family, who have been tirelessly fighting to preserve his musical legacy. Recently, their battle took a new turn after discovering that over R300,000 in royalties from Mpura’s music had allegedly been stolen through fraudulent deals.
The Fight for Royalties
Mpura’s family has joined forces with fellow Amapiano producers Tee Jay and ThackzinDJ to recover funds due to them. They hired music consultant Vusi Leeuw from Vusi Leeuw Consulting to investigate suspicious activity around Mpura’s royalties. According to Leeuw, a man identified as Neo Makate posed as the rightful owner of Mpura’s master recordings and concluded illegal deals with Universal Music and Def Jam Africa, which allegedly paid him over R300,000.
These deals were executed without the consent or involvement of Mpura’s estate or collaborators. Universal Music Group has reportedly acknowledged the claims and promised to conduct an internal investigation into the matter.
Mpura’s Legacy in the Music Industry
Mpura, whose real name was Mongezi Stuurman, gained popularity for his contributions to the Amapiano genre, particularly with the chart-topping hit *Umsebenzi Wethu*. Collaborating with top artists like Busta 929 and Mr JazziQ, Mpura was recognized as one of the genre’s bright young talents. Tragically, he died in a car crash alongside fellow artist Killer Kau in 2021 while en route to a performance in the North West.
His passing left a deep void in the music community. Artists and fans alike continue to honor his memory. Busta 929 recently paid tribute to him, and Mr JazziQ even went as far as getting a tattoo in his memory. In another touching gesture, Sir Trill promised to ensure Mpura’s estate receives all the royalties due from their joint projects.
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Mpura’s Brother Breaks the Silence
In a recent interview on Hazel Mahazard’s YouTube podcast, Mpura’s brother, Kagiso Stuurman, opened up for the first time about the family’s journey since his brother’s passing. The emotional clip has made the rounds online, sparking conversations about Mpura’s impact and the importance of protecting his legacy. While some appreciated the transparency, others felt the interview stirred up unnecessary grief.
Continuing the Battle for Justice
Despite the emotional toll, Mpura’s family remains focused on securing what rightfully belongs to them. Their collaboration with music professionals and other artists reflects a united front in the fight against music industry exploitation. The case against Neo Makate is still unfolding, and fans are hopeful that justice will be served.
Mpura may no longer be with us, but through his music and the continued dedication of his loved ones, his legacy lives on.
