Veteran South African actress and singer Khanyo Maphumulo has broken her silence about one of the most disheartening moments in her illustrious career—being paid less than R10,000 for her role in the globally acclaimed film Sarafina! Her revelation has reignited critical discussions around artist exploitation in the entertainment industry, especially concerning young and emerging talents.
Speaking candidly in a recent interview, Khanyo Maphumulo shared that she was just 14 years old when she first auditioned for the stage version of Sarafina! and only 17 when she was cast in the film adaptation. The production, which gained international recognition for its portrayal of the 1976 Soweto uprising, became an iconic part of South African cinematic history. But behind the scenes, Maphumulo says her experience was far from glamorous.
Khanyo Maphumulo
Khanyo Maphumulo
Despite being a key contributor and co-composer of some of Sarafina!’s most memorable songs, including Freedom Is Coming and The Lord’s Prayer, she received very little in return. “I was young and naïve,” Maphumulo reflected, adding that she lacked the necessary industry knowledge to protect her interests at the time.
One of the most alarming aspects of Khanyo Maphumulo’s account is her claim that she never signed a formal contract for her work on Sarafina!. This lack of documentation has led to decades-long challenges in trying to claim what she believes is rightfully hers.
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To this day, Maphumulo says she continues to battle for royalties with the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), but with little success. “I have tried, but nothing has come of it,” she said. Her ongoing struggle highlights a systemic issue that has affected many South African artists—an industry that often neglects to protect and fairly compensate creatives, especially those starting out.
The Broader Issue: How Young Artists Like Khanyo Maphumulo Are Exploited
Maphumulo’s story is not an isolated case. Her experience has brought renewed focus on how the South African entertainment industry treats young creatives. Many veteran performers have publicly expressed similar frustrations—being underpaid, denied royalties, or simply overlooked despite their contributions to landmark projects.
For Khanyo Maphumulo, the Sarafina! experience has remained a sore point, but it hasn’t defined her career. If anything, it has made her a symbol of resilience and determination in an industry where exploitation is often swept under the rug. Her courage to speak out serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure transparency, fairness, and equity in the creative arts.
Khanyo Maphumulo
Khanyo Maphumulo
Despite the challenges she has faced, Khanyo Maphumulo has continued to shine as a powerful force in the South African arts scene. Her career spans decades, with contributions to theatre, television, and music that have left an indelible mark. In 2024, she received the Iconic Impact Award at the South African Heroes Awards—an honor that recognizes her lifelong dedication to the arts and her impact on future generations.
The award served as a moment of validation for Maphumulo, especially in light of her early experiences. It was also a call to action for industry leaders to reflect on how talents like hers are supported and compensated.
As she continues her journey, Khanyo Maphumulo is using her platform to advocate for change. She encourages young artists to educate themselves about their rights and to seek legal counsel before signing any agreements. “We need to empower ourselves,” she says, “because no one else will do it for us.”
Her message is clear: the entertainment industry must evolve to prioritize the fair treatment of its artists—young and old alike. With more voices like hers speaking out, there is hope that future generations won’t face the same injustices.
Khanyo Maphumulo’s story is both a cautionary tale and an inspiring narrative of survival and triumph. While her early years in the industry were marred by exploitation, her enduring presence and continued recognition remind us of her undeniable talent and influence. As South Africa continues to grapple with issues of artist rights and compensation, Maphumulo’s voice remains a guiding light in the ongoing pursuit of justice and dignity for all creatives.
