Veteran actress and singer Khanyo Maphumulo has opened up about what she calls one of the most disappointing experiences of her career, earning less than R10,000 for her role in the iconic film Sarafina!

Speaking candidly, Maphumulo revealed she was just 14 years old when she auditioned for the stage version of Sarafina! and only 17 when she worked on the film.

Despite being one of the co-composers of powerful songs such as Freedom Is Coming and The Lord’s Prayer, she says she received almost nothing in return for her work.

“I was young and naïve,” she reflected, explaining how the lack of industry knowledge at the time left her open to exploitation.

Maphumulo claims she never signed a contract and, to this day, continues to battle for royalties with the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO).

Her efforts to resolve the issue have been unsuccessful so far.

Her story has reignited conversations around the treatment of young creatives in the entertainment industry, particularly in South Africa, where many veteran performers continue to speak out about being underpaid or sidelined despite their contributions.

Though the early part of her career was marred by this experience, Maphumulo has continued to shine in the arts.

In 2024, she received the Iconic Impact Award at the South African Heroes Awards, a fitting tribute to her enduring legacy.