Artist manager Sfiso Ndlovu confesses to squandering JL SA’s 'Hamba Juba' royalties

The ongoing dispute over royalties for the hit single “Hamba Juba” has taken a dramatic turn.

Artist manager, label owner and podcaster Sfiso Ndlovu publicly admitted to taking money owed to producer JL SA, whose real name is Jackson Motla.

The revelation came during a “Piano Pulse” podcast episode, two weeks after JL SA went public with his frustrations over not receiving any compensation for his work on the viral 2023 track featuring Lady Amar, Murumba Pitch and Cici. 

JL SA used social media to share his pain and disappointment. In a video, he played “Hamba Juba" and detailed how he produced the instrumental from scratch, yet had never received a single cent from its success.

“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,” he said.

He noted that the song had amassed over 23 million streams on Spotify and more than 32 million views on YouTube.

Despite the track’s widespread success, he stressed that he remained unpaid. “My name is JL SA. I’m a South African. I love making music except that I don’t get paid for it,” he added.

The video ignited a storm online, with fans demanding to know who was responsible for withholding his earnings. Many pointed fingers at DJ Lady Amar, speculating that she might be involved in the dispute. 

In response, Amar released her own video, pleading with the public to stop attacking her. She clarified that she, too, had not received any payments.

Amar explained that she had remained silent because she struggled to defend herself publicly and insisted that this would be the final time she addressed the matter.

Despite her clarification, online users continued to press for answers, asking who held control of the funds. 

JL SA then revealed that it was Ndlovu, known in the industry circles through his work as a manager and podcast personality. Ndlovu had previously denied any involvement or receipt of money linked to “Hamba Juba”.

However, during a recent podcast recording, Ndlovu made a startling confession. He admitted to JL SA that he had, in fact, taken the funds.

The admission left JL SA visibly emotional, as he broke down upon hearing that someone he trusted had been responsible.

Ndlovu issued an apology during the recording, acknowledging his actions and promising repayment.

“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. I don’t want you to think Sfiso is an animal or a bad guy. Maybe I did you bad, but there are other people that I did right by. I apologise,” he said.

Despite his apology, public reaction has been overwhelmingly critical. Many social media users expressed outrage at the situation, describing his actions as exploitative and unethical.

One commenter wrote, “But guys, this is not ok. This is disgusting on so many levels, hey.” Another remarked, “The cruelty is beyond me.”

A third added, “This is not funny. This guy is so arrogant, after taking this boy’s money. He is probably crying because of how arrogant he is in saying it, while the other one was struggling.”

As of now, the exact amount owed to JL SA has not been disclosed.

For now, he remains focused on his work.

He is currently in the studio developing new music, indicating his intent to move forward despite the ordeal.