A bitter feud has erupted between award-winning Limpopo singer Makhadzi and her former dancer, Rush Mabanana, who has accused her of ill-treatment and underpayment during his time working with her.
Mabanana, clearly disgruntled, has publicly aired his grievances and vowed to make the singer "suffer" for her alleged transgressions.
In a fiery TikTok Live session, Mabanana didn't hold back, claiming he was paid significantly less than his counterpart, Limpopo Boy, who has since moved on to international choreography opportunities.
"I was paid R10,000 less than Limpopo Boy. I don't give a f*&$ how people will take what I have to say, but the truth must come out," he declared.
He further alleged that he once took the fall for Makhadzi during a near-arrest at the Botswana border, claiming he asked authorities to take him instead of her, only to be treated poorly in return.
Mabanana's accusations didn't stop there. He claimed he put in more effort and energy on stage than Limpopo Boy, despite receiving less compensation. "I had more energy than Limpopo Boy but got paid less. I don't care who says what. I will expose her; what you started will not finish. I will make Makhadzi suffer," he threatened.
Speaking to ZiMoja, Mabanana elaborated on his claims, alleging that Makhadzi started speaking ill of him, which he initially ignored. "I kept quiet for a long time. I protected her and loved her like a sister, but she turned her back on me," he lamented.
He also revealed that the male dancers have since been replaced by female dancers who now tour with the star, adding defiantly, "I don't care; I will always be fine but I am coming for her."
He further asserted he's been touring overseas and is not struggling financially: "I'm not sitting around and being broke."
Makhadzi's management team, represented by Lucky Tshilimandili, offered a more measured response to the unfolding drama.
Acknowledging the difficulty of parting ways with long-term collaborators, Tshilimandili said, "It's not easy to part ways with someone you have worked with for a long time. There are two sides to every story."
He also advised against entertaining threats, suggesting a more conciliatory approach: "I don't think Makhadzi should entertain threats, but when he is calm, maybe they can sit down and resolve their issues."
This public spat has exposed the behind-the-scenes tensions that can sometimes exist within the entertainment industry. While Mabanana's accusations are serious, it's important to remember that there are always two sides to every story.
Makhadzi has yet to respond directly to the allegations, and it remains to be seen how this public feud will ultimately be resolved. Will the two parties manage to find common ground and resolve their differences amicably, or will this escalate into a full-blown legal battle? Only time will tell.
