Shots fired at the music industry as Itumeleng Bokaba, also known as Okashi, releases a freestyle in the midst of the ongoing royalties drama.
After revealing that she is the voice behind the chorus of the 2016 hit “Mayibabo” but still has not been paid despite her contribution being in the forefront.
Since then, more industry skeletons have fallen out of the closet. Neo Makwa, the song's producer, has also come forward, claiming he hasn’t been compensated for his work, placing the blame on music executive Nota Baloyi.
The royalties drama is not unique to Bokaba, she shared that she’s had other run-ins with unpaid work, including her collaboration with local star Makhadzi on “Vhanna Vha Vhathu”, where she’s credited as a performer alongside Makhadzi yet received no compensation.
“Open mic records also owes me for Makhadzi’s song Vhanna Vha Vhathu but anyway … one day,” she says.
Bokaba’s freestyle “Ain't selling out” addresses and criticises the music industry along with its exploitation culture and being excluded because of looks.
“Won’t tone it down, I won’t deviate. I ain’t slimming down, I’m a heavyweight” is just one of the stand out bars from the track, showcasing her fierce delivery.
The tone of the freestyle is unapologetic and netizens are loving it, rallying behind the former Rhythm City star, even claiming she outshines most local female rappers.
“Drop while you are the talk of the town, also finally some competition for Rouge,” says @B_Yandaa on X.
Many are praising her potential, flow, and songwriting skills, with some even ranking her as the top local female rapper.
Tumi has so much potential. This is actually good.
— K (@kay_living_) September 27, 2024
She's actually really good.
— L.L (@LAVISHLIVINGEVE) September 27, 2024
Bokaba has also made bold moves on social media, wiping her entire Instagram feed and replacing it with a series of “Ain’t Selling Out” snippets.
The countdown to today’s freestyle release included the single’s artwork and posts teasing what was to come.
In one of her captions, she writes, “When your haters think you’ve peaked but you’re just getting started.”
IOL