The Hamba Juba Royalties Storm
South Africa’s music scene has been rocked by a shocking revelation. Producer JL SA, whose real name is Jackson Motla, recently saw the dispute over his hit single “Hamba Juba” take a dramatic turn when manager and podcaster Sfiso Ndlovu confessed to taking money owed to him.
The track, featuring Lady Amar, Murumba Pitch, and Cici, became a viral sensation in 2023. With over 23 million Spotify streams and 32 million YouTube views, it has been a cultural phenomenon, but JL SA hadn’t received a single cent.
JL SA Speaks Out
Frustrated and unheard, JL SA took to social media two weeks ago to detail the situation. In a heartfelt video, he explained:
“Did you know that I made this beat? I’ve produced this song from scratch. This is my work. This is my own production, but I never got a cent from it.”
The post resonated with fans, many of whom demanded answers. Online speculation initially implicated DJ Lady Amar, though she later clarified that she had not received payments either.
“I struggled to defend myself publicly,” Amar said in a video statement. “This will be the last time I address this matter.”
JL SA cries after Sifiso tells him he chowed his money and promises to pay it back.😭😭
Yoh guys hear the way Sifiso is talking bro has zero shame😭 pic.twitter.com/7l93mml80R
— S I H L E T H E P L U G (@RealSihleIV) October 8, 2025
A Startling Confession
The mystery of who controlled the royalties was finally solved on the “Piano Pulse” podcast, when Ndlovu made a shocking admission. After weeks of denial, he confessed that he had indeed taken the funds, leaving JL SA visibly emotional.
“One day, I’m going to come back here and show receipts that the boy got paid. I’ll pay bit by bit because the money is not there; I used it. I’m sorry,” Ndlovu said.
Though he apologized, social media users were quick to criticize the actions.
“This is disgusting on so many levels,” wrote one commenter.
“The cruelty is beyond me,” said another.
“He’s so arrogant, taking this boy’s money while the other one was struggling,” added a third.
The Aftermath and Moving Forward
Despite the betrayal, JL SA has remained focused on his craft. He is currently working in the studio on new music, signaling that he won’t let the incident derail his career.
The full amount owed to him has not been disclosed, but the case has sparked broader conversations about artist rights, transparency, and accountability in South Africa’s music industry, a sector where disputes over royalties are unfortunately all too common.
This saga is a reminder that behind viral hits and chart-topping singles, there is often a complex web of trust, management, and financial dealings and that those at the center deserve both recognition and fair compensation.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: The Yanos Magazine