Arthur Mafokate (born 10 July 1969) is a South African kwaito musician and producer. In 1994, he released his debut album, Windy Windy, which included the hit "Amagents Ayaphanda". He became known as the "King of Kwaito" with many hit singles such as Oyi Oyi, Mnike, Twalatza, Zombo, Poppe Dans, Seven Phezulu & Sika Lekhekhe.

Early life and career

Sello Arthur Mafokate was born on 10 July 1969. He is the son of Olympic equestrian and philanthropist Enos Mafokate and the brother of the late kwaito star Oupa Makhendlas Mafokate. He was born in Soweto, Gauteng Province, but his family later moved to Midrand. As a child, he took piano lessons, and had a keen interest in soccer, dance and music. Mafokate worked as a model, winning the title 'Mr Soweto' in 1992. He worked as a music producer and sound engineer for several popular South African artists. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Mafokate was part of a trio called Out of Control, and a duo called Q-Face. He was also involved with the groups Heaven, Twin Prestige and Helela. In 1994, he established himself as a kwaito artist with the release of the album Windy Windy on CCP Records, with lead tracks "Ayaphanda" and "Where's The Bass". He became a backing dancer for artists including Brenda Fassie, Monwa & Son and Johnny Mokhali.

First Kwaito hit

In 1995 he released the first kwaito hit, "Kaffir", from his self-titled EP, which sold over 500,000 copies. Its lyrics discuss the new freedoms that emerged after the political changes of 1994, including the implementation of a new constitution and democratic election system. The title refers to a derogatory term used in South Africa as a racial slur against black people. At the 2021 Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards, his single "Hlokoloza" received a nomination for Best Kwaito song.

Contributions to Kwaito and 999 Record Label

Over the course of his career, Mafokate introduced dance styles such as twalatsa and qopetsa. He founded his own record label, 999, alongside Joe Nina, and released the albums Blenda Fashion (1994) and Zama Zama Yo! (1995) under the name Bambezela, after which he went by Arthur. As a mixer and sound engineer, he used the alias 'Mix Maestro'. Notable artists signed to 999 included Hip Hop Pantsula, Zombo, and Lira. Mafokate also presented the television show Ezimtoti in 2001.

Awards

In 1998 Mafokate won the Song of the Year for his song 'Oyi Oyi' at the South African Music Awards (SAMA), the first artist to win this category as voted for by the public. He was recognised for his contribution to music at the 2007 FNB South African Music Awards, and won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2016 South African Metro FM Music Awards.

Controversy

Assault allegations

In 2017, the artist Cici, who was then Mafokate's partner and signed to his label, accused him of physical abuse during the time they were living together. Cici had a serious injury and had to be treated in a hospital. He was arrested and released on bail pending a court case. After Cici posted images showing the injuries she sustained, widespread condemnation of Mafokate led to the cancellation of the 100MenMarch, a march to highlight gender based violence. Mafokate denied all allegations, and was found not guilty by Midrand Magistrate court in 2019.

Allegations of unlawful enrichment at SAMRO

After his removal in 2018 as a board member, in 2019 the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) sued Mafokate for unlawful enrichment. According to the lawsuit, Mafokate and a number of other members of the leadership of SAMRO overpaid themselves by more than R1.6 million rand. Mafokate himself was allegedly irregularly overpaid by R84 000. SAMRO later become the centre of a scandal regarding the underpayment of royalties to artists, much of which took place during Mafokate's time working for the organisation.

Misappropriation of lottery funds

On 13 January 2023, Mafokate was alleged to be involved in the misappropriation of R56m in community development funds from the National Lotteries Commission. The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) obtained a preservation order to freeze a plot, a farm and three luxury properties linked to the alleged corruption, valued at R53m, one of which belonged to Mafokate.

Discography

Albums