MAPHUMA From Daveyton to SA’s Biggest Stages
Mpho Innocent Junior Lebajoa — better known to SA as Scotts Maphuma — grew up in Daveyton, Gauteng, where he taught himself music through jam sessions, borrowed equipment, and the sounds of his community. Seven years into his professional career, he’s one of the most exciting voices in Amapiano. And right now, he’s everywhere.
“Bathini bona?” — What did they say? His catchphrase. His energy. His whole career in three words.
Self-Taught.
Street-Built.
Scotts Maphuma was born Mpho Innocent Junior Lebajoa on 9 October 1995. He grew up in Daveyton, Gauteng — the same East Rand geography that has produced some of SA’s most authentic creative voices. There were no music schools. No formal training. He learned to create beats using free software and borrowed equipment, teaching himself rhythm, sound mixing, and performance. His classroom was the community, and his teachers were other local performers, DJs, and the sounds of the environment around him.
He was very good at football and almost became a professional player — but music won. And when he made that call, he committed fully. He began his professional journey in 2017, performing at local events and clubs where his distinctive sound and electrifying presence stood out.
Yebo Lapho.
Wishi Wishi. The World Listened.
His breakthrough arrived through tracks like “Yebo Lapho” and “Wishi Wishi,” which quickly gained momentum across South Africa. By blending Amapiano’s signature log drum with electronic beats and soulful vocals, he established a recognizable sonic identity.
He is particularly recognised for his distinctive vocal style and ability to convey emotion through his performances. His breakthrough came with his feature on the hit track “Umshini,” collaborating with popular artist Dlala Regal. The song’s success helped him gain widespread recognition, showcasing his talent and contributing to the growing Amapiano movement.
Maphuma uses his signature catchphrase “bathini bona” — which translates to “What did they say?” — which has sparked a frenzy and persuaded audiences into energetic responses during his performances. If you’ve been at any Amapiano set in the last two years, you’ve heard those three words. You’ve probably said them back.
Xduppy & Scotts Maphuma — New Banger Incoming
Xduppy previewed an upcoming single with Scotts Maphuma in a playful Instagram video, dancing in the backroom while the track played. The sound featured Xduppy’s signature smooth Amapiano production layered with Scotts Maphuma’s distinctive and infectious vocals. Fans immediately flooded the comments with excitement, begging for the full release. No official title or release date has been confirmed yet — but when it drops, it’s going to hit.
The Collabs That
Tell the Story.
He has worked with Amapiano big names including DJ Maphorisa, Focalistic, and Young Stunna. Here are the collaborations that have defined his rise.
PIATO.
A Different Chapter.
His PIATO EP — subtitled “A Different Chapter” — was released in 2024, signalling an artist who isn’t content with repeating what worked. He’s always looking for the next evolution of his sound. That restlessness is exactly what keeps his music fresh.
Toward the end of 2024, his popularity surged due to viral dance clips and fan-made videos. He’s not just an artist anymore — he’s a cultural moment. When a Scotts Maphuma track drops, people don’t just listen. They move.
And right now, with a new Xduppy collaboration cooking and the streets already buzzing about it before a single note has been officially released — Scotts Maphuma is building toward his biggest chapter yet.
Say It Again Media is watching Scotts Maphuma closely. This is exactly the kind of East Rand story we live to tell. Follow him and stay close — the next drop is going to be big.
Follow Scotts Maphuma
@scotts_maphuma · Stay Close
