They announced the return of the South African Amapiano awards, this is after the second installation, which was meant to take place at Sun Arena, on the 2nd of April 2023. The e awards however were halted due to a lack of ticket sales and division in the organisation's camp. It seems the drama is far from over, as the awards have been halted again due to another ownership dispute.

DISPUTES

In 2019, Qhubani "DJ Qness" Ndlovu, the co-founder was in and out of court with a company claiming they own the awards concept which DJ Qness registered in 2019. The Umkhehlo DJ eventually won the case and went on to host the first installation. The second awards were meant to return in April but have since been held back. This was due to the organisers having sold the awards to kwaito legend and veteran Arthur Mafokate. An insider says Arthur bought the rights to the awards from the main founder DJ Qness, for almost a million Rands without informing sponsors and colleagues. "But he doesn't owe anyone explanation as he owns the awards."

Organisers DJ Qness and Pleasure Adams

NOT YET RETURNING

In October, the organisers announced the awards would continue. However, more challenges have resurfaced behind the scenes. "Every time they try to organise the awards, Arthur intervenes because he bought the rights and therefore they cannot go ahead without him. They need to create another concept if that is the case," the insider adds. "This whole thing has affected sponsors like Bathu, who committed to supporting the awards. Now everything is indefinite," she says. Upon calling for comment, Qness did not avail himself. Pleasure Adams who works at the awards' office told ZiMoja that the awards will, "definitely return. But the date that was set has been changed." She did not elaborate on the company's woes. Arthur refused to comment on the matter. and said, "All in due time."