Popular amapiano star Nontobeko Thandeka Ngema, better known by her stage name MaWhoo, finds herself in hot water after allegedly referring to an events company as “scammers” in a voice note — a move that could cost her R1-million in a defamation lawsuit.
According to a report by Sunday World, MaWhoo is now embroiled in a legal dispute with Blue Screen Entertainment, a leading events company, after she allegedly sent a voice note to a member of the organisation accusing the company’s owner and staff of being scammers. This accusation reportedly came shortly after her scheduled appearance at the Durban Music Festival on May 3, where American rap star Rick Ross headlined the event.
A letter of demand, dated May 16 and obtained by Sunday World, was signed by Brian Steel, head of legal at Blue Screen Entertainment. The letter asserts that MaWhoo was paid in full for her performance at the event. Despite this, she allegedly created and circulated a voice note accusing the company of fraud — without providing any evidence to substantiate her claims.
The company believes MaWhoo’s alleged statements have caused significant reputational damage and may have further commercial implications. The letter demanded that she issue a public retraction and apology, either in writing or through a voice note, by the end of business on Monday, May 19. Should she fail to comply, the company warns it will initiate legal proceedings for defamation against both MaWhoo and her business, MaWhoo Entertainment.
“Your actions constitute a serious act of defamation under South African law,” the letter reads, highlighting the potential legal consequences and the impact on the company’s standing in the entertainment industry.
Blue Screen Entertainment is demanding at least R1 million in damages – a significant amount that highlights how seriously the company is taking the alleged defamation.
When Sunday World reached out to MaWhoo’s team for comment, no response was received, despite attempts to contact her manager, Noxolo Ngema, via text message. A representative for Blue Screen Entertainment also declined to elaborate on the case, simply stating, “The matter is now in the hands of our legal team, and we will pursue all necessary steps to protect our reputation.”
