Renowned Amapiano producer DJ Maphorisa has opened up about his growing disinterest in award shows, specifically calling out the Metro FM Awards, which recently took place at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga. Despite being one of the most successful figures in South African music today, Maphorisa has made it clear that accolades and trophies are no longer a priority for him.
In a candid moment shared on social media shortly after the Metro FM Awards, Maphorisa explained that his enthusiasm for award ceremonies has faded, particularly after a past experience at the MTV Africa Music Awards, where he was nominated alongside rapper Nasty C. The track “Soweto Baby” ended up winning, but the moment was tainted by what he described as “visible disappointment” from Nasty C.
He added a warning about taking awards too personally often leads to unnecessary hut.
This emotional insight from the producer — often referred to as Madumoney for his lavish lifestyle and major achievements — highlights the darker side of recognition in the music industry. For Maphorisa, awards seem to foster competition that can quickly become toxic, rather than celebrating collective talent and progress.
While fans often expect to see their favourite artists celebrated and rewarded on big stages, Maphorisa is now choosing to focus on the music and cultural impact over collecting trophies. His message to fellow musicians is clear: don’t let awards define your value or success.
Many of his supporters applauded his honesty, agreeing that industry awards often overlook deserving artists and can create unnecessary divisions. With a catalogue that includes countless Amapiano anthems and international collaborations, Maphorisa has nothing left to prove.
His stance comes as no surprise to those who’ve followed his journey — a career built on innovation, mentorship, and genre-shaping records, not necessarily public praise. While he may be stepping back from the awards spotlight, there’s no doubt DJ Maphorisa continues to shape South African music in profound ways.
