Amapiano sensation Nontobeko Thandeka Ngema, popularly known as MaWhoo, is embroiled in a high-stakes legal battle with Blue Screen Entertainment, which has filed a R1-million defamation lawsuit against her and her company, MaWhoo Entertainment (Pty) Ltd, in the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Durban.
Court documents obtained by Sunday World reveal the escalating dispute, centred on alleged defamatory statements made by Ngema following her performance at the Durban Music Festival.
According to the summons, dated May 19, 2025, Ngema, represented by MaWhoo Entertainment, signed a contract with Blue Screen Entertainment on February 9, 2025, to perform at the festival on May 3, 2025.
Defamation
The court filing states: “The Defendants were paid in full for her performance,” with proof of payment attached as annexure “BSE-02.” However, Blue Screen alleges that Ngema “proceeded to make reckless and unfounded statements that have severely harmed the Plaintiff’s reputation and the professional standing of their personnel.”
The summons further claims: “The 1st Defendant’s actions constitute a serious act of defamation and have inflicted reputational and potential commercial damage to the Plaintiff.”
Blue Screen, based at 16 Fricker Road, Illovo, Sandton, is seeking R1-million in damages, interest at 15.5% per annum, and legal costs on an attorney-client scale.
The company issued a letter of demand on May 16, 2025, demanding that Ngema “issue a formal apology retracting the defamatory statements.”
The summons notes, “The Defendant has failed, refused and/or neglected to make such apology,” prompting the lawsuit. Both Ngema and MaWhoo Entertainment, registered at 135 Xaba Road, Savannah Park, are named as defendants.
Deadline for response
Advocate Prince Mafu, counsel for Blue Screen Entertainment, stated in the summons, “The Plaintiff herein hereby institutes a claim of R1,000,000 (one million rand) in damages” for the harm caused. The court documents warn that failure to respond within 10 days of service could lead to a default judgment, with Ngema and her company given 20 days thereafter to file a plea or counterclaim.
Ngema, a rising star in the amapiano scene, has yet to publicly address the allegations.
Sunday World reached out to Ntozake Attorneys, Blue Screen’s legal representatives, who declined to comment. “The matter is before the court, and we will let the legal process take its course.”
Attempts to contact Ngema’s team were unsuccessful at the time of publishing. They will be added if they become available.
Also Read: MaWhoo faces legal woes over defamatory voice note
