Scotts Maphuma Apologizes for Missing Festival

Amapiano artist Scotts Maphuma, whose real name is Mpho Lebajoa, has publicly apologized after failing to appear at a major Children’s Day event in Mozambique. The popular singer was expected to perform at the “Lizha só festas” festival in Matola on Sunday, June 1, but did not show up. His absence caused disappointment among fans and led to his brief arrest by Mozambican authorities over the weekend.

The news of his arrest surfaced on Monday, June 2, after a video was posted online showing the artist inside a police holding cell. The video was originally shared by local media outlet Mz Magazine News. It showed Maphuma in custody and sparked wide discussion on social media. The caption stated that he was taken to the police station for not arriving in time to perform at the scheduled festival.

Maphuma had been paid and booked in advance to headline the Children’s Day celebration. The event was especially important to many families, as it was organized to bring joy to children through music and cultural performances. Parents and fans were frustrated that the singer did not make it. Many said their children were looking forward to the concert for weeks.

Angry reactions quickly spread online. Some attendees claimed Maphuma missed his flight to Mozambique because he chose to attend a royal event elsewhere. While this claim has not been officially confirmed, it added to the backlash surrounding the situation. Several videos and posts on TikTok and Instagram showed people at the festival expressing disappointment.

Following the public reaction, Maphuma took part in a press conference arranged in Mozambique. In a video shared by a local current affairs TikTok account, the singer appeared in front of cameras to express his apology to the event organizers, fans, and the children. He said that he and his team tried to fix the situation after missing their scheduled flight but were unable to reach Matola in time for the event. He did not explain in detail why the flight was missed.

The organizers of “Lizha só festas” have not yet issued a public statement on whether they will reschedule the performance or offer ticket refunds. They also have not revealed how much Maphuma was paid for the event or if they will seek compensation or legal action following his absence. The festival is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and large turnout, especially during the national Children’s Day holiday. The artist’s absence disrupted the planned performances and upset the event’s schedule.

Online reactions to Maphuma’s apology have been mixed. Some fans appreciated that he took responsibility and apologized publicly, while others remained upset and called for stricter action. Many fans pointed out that artists should be more responsible when they accept international bookings, especially for events that cater to children.

Scotts Maphuma is part of the fast-growing Amapiano music scene in South Africa. His song “Shayi’Moto” has become a major hit across southern Africa. As his popularity grows, so does his tour schedule. However, this incident shows that international artists must take extra care when dealing with time-sensitive bookings in other countries. Even a small delay can result in large public backlash, especially when children and families are involved.

Other artists in Africa have faced similar issues in the past. In 2018, Nigerian singer Tekno was held by Ugandan authorities after missing a concert. Tanzanian artist Diamond Platnumz also received criticism for not showing up at an event in Kenya. These examples show how seriously fans and local authorities view missed performances, especially when contracts have been signed and payments made.

Although Maphuma’s apology may have calmed some tensions, the situation has already affected his image among many Mozambican fans. It remains to be seen if festival organizers or local authorities will pursue further action or accept the apology and close the case.

Maphuma has promised to handle future bookings with more care. He said he hopes to return to Mozambique under better conditions and perform for the children who were disappointed this time.