Popular amapiano star Nontobeko Thandeka Ngema, better known as MaWhoo, is embroiled in a legal dispute with Blue Screen Entertainment, a prominent events company, following allegations of defamation.
The company issued a letter of demand for a public apology from MaWhoo after she allegedly referred to its owner and staff as “scammers” in a voice note sent to a member of the entity.
According to a letter obtained by Sunday World, dated May 16, and signed by Brian Steel, head of legal at Blue Screen Entertainment, MaWhoo was contracted to perform at the Durban Music Festival on May 3, where American musician Rick Ross was the headliner.
The company claims she was paid in full for her performance. However, MaWhoo composed a voice note in which she accused the organisation and its boss of being scammers, without providing any reason or proof.
The organisation said MaWhoo’s alleged defamatory statements have caused significant reputational and potential commercial damage to the company.
The letter, addressed to MaWhoo and her business, MaWhoo Entertainment, demands a written or voice note apology retracting the statements by close of business on Monday, May 19.
Failure to comply, the letter warns, will result in Blue Screen Entertainment initiating legal proceedings for defamation against both MaWhoo personally and her company.
The company is seeking damages of no less than R1-million.
“Your actions constitute a serious act of defamation under South African law,” the letter states, emphasising the severity of the accusations and their impact on Blue Screen Entertainment’s professional standing.
This is not the first time MaWhoo has faced controversy over her interactions with event organisers.
In October 2024, she publicly demanded that a promoter named Eddz retract false claims that she had failed to perform at the Blouberg Spring Festival in Limpopo, asserting that no payment or booking was confirmed for the event.
That matter was reportedly resolved after MaWhoo threatened legal action.
Sunday World reached out to MaWhoo’s team for comment, but no response was received at the time of publication, even after text messages were sent to her manager Noxolo Ngema.
A representative for Blue Screen Entertainment declined to provide further details, stating: “The matter is now in the hands of our legal team, and we will pursue all necessary steps to protect our reputation.”
Legal experts note that defamation cases in South Africa hinge on proving that a statement is false, harmful, and intentionally damaging to one’s reputation.
If Blue Screen Entertainment proceeds with the lawsuit, MaWhoo could face a significant legal battle, with potential financial and reputational consequences.
