Flight issues led to Scotts Maphuma's absence from Mozambique Children's Day festival.
Image: Instagram
Amapiano sensation Scotts Maphuma, real name Mpho Lebajoa, has apologised for missing “Lizha só festas”, a Children’s Day festival that he was scheduled to headline in Matola, Mozambique.
Lebajoa was arrested by Mozambican authorities over the weekend, with news of his arrest surfacing on Monday, June 2, for not showing up at the event he was paid and booked for.
A video of the artist in a police holding cell was shared by local reporters from “Mz Magazine News” on their Instagram with a caption that reads: “Scotts Maphuma é levado à esquadra por não ter chegado a tempo de actuar.”
It translates to: “Scotts Maphuma is taken to the police station for not arriving on time to perform.”
Lebajoa was meant to headline the festival on Sunday, June 1. His absence sparked outrage from fans and parents who were upset that he missed the highly anticipated event.
The disappointed attendees expressed outrage, claiming that Lebajoa's late arrival was due to a detour to a royal event.
A video shared by a Mozambican current affairs account on TikTok, the “Shayi’Moto” singer is seen in an arranged press conference held in Mozambique, apologising to the fans and event organisers, claiming that he and his team tried to salvage the situation after missing their flight.
“First and foremost, I would love to apologise to my fans who really, really love me and really love my music. It was just unfortunate yesterday that we missed our flight because of the work we had.
“Obviously, we tried. We never gave up as Skipper Entertainment, as Scotts Maphuma. We never gave up. We always try to get to the gig, sometimes no matter how late we are, because we believe in better late than never. I’d love to apologise to my fans. It will never happen again,” he said.
He adds that he was aware that “Lizha só festas” was a children’s event and that he takes all his bookings seriously, regardless of their nature, because, as a brand, money is always involved and he takes that seriously.
The “eGoli” hitmaker further highlighted the damage caused by his absenteeism and said that he will return the money he was paid to perform.
“Feelings are hurt. A lot has happened. I am a man of my word. I believe in the truth, and I think it’s fair if I pay them back their money,” he added.
His South African fans took to the comment section to defend the artist, with others wondering why the press conference was necessary.
“Was he going to deliver a speech about world hunger or perform for 30 minutes? Use the resources where they are needed. He could have returned the money & or scheduled another date.
"You bullied him into that press conference because he was already in your land,” said @letukavich_
TikTok user @tebogomadiba_ commented: “But he didn’t intentionally miss the gig, he was late! Leave this young man alone 😥”
And @im_that_tadie.wah advised that Lebajoa respects time and laws from other countries, saying: “Moral of the story ... always respect time and contracts ... especially if you are in a foreign land because not all laws are the same and not everyone will be lenient.”